File Extension Database

Open SHP File

The SHP (short for shape) extension file is used to store vector graphics and data related to geospatial information used by geographic information system (GIS) software.

The SHP file may contain geographic and spatial data describing features such as landmarks, rivers, streets, or zip codes.

The SHP format was created by ESRI, a company that supplies various GIS software products, and is still under active development.

ESRI is an international provider of geographic information systems software, web GIS, and geographic database management applications.

The company was originally born as the Environmental Systems Research Institute in 1969 and as a land use consulting firm.

SHP files are often accompanied by additional files, some of which are required and some of which are optional.

Required: SHP, DBF, and SHX.
Optional: XML, SBX, and PRJ.

The required files must be located in the same folder as the main file.

It is important to note that the SHP format is an open standard and is considered a data file or image file.

The SHP file represents a 2D/3D image created with points, lines, and polygons.

Each project item can have attributes, which are stored in a separate file saved in DBF format, that describe related items.

Software for working with SHP files

Typical SHP application file locations:

C:\Windows\system32\notepad.exe "%1"

Frequently associated Windows objects:

DWGTrueViewShapeSource

How Can I Open SHP File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open SHP file is to find a SHP file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SHP file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open SHP file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as SHP file opener then try to search online for "SHP viewer", "application to open SHP file" or "open SHP file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open SHP file

How Can I Open SHP File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a SHP file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SHP file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with SHP file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as SHP file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open SHP file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open SHP file then try to search for "SHP viewer", "application to open SHP file" or "read SHP file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read SHP file

How Can I Open SHP File on Android

If you downloaded a SHP file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded SHP file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "SHP".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "SHP viewer", "SHP file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open SHP File on iPhone or iPad

To open SHP File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the SHP file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "SHP". This way you can find apps which can open SHP files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "SHP viewer" or "SHP file" online in your favorite search engine.

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