File Extension Database

Open TFW File

A TFW file is most commonly known as a World File, associated with a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) image file. It provides georeferencing information for the image, widely used in GIS (Geographic Information System) applications. This article will cover the different formats and ways to open and use TFW files, discussing their significance in geospatial data management.

Understanding TFW Files

TFW files are plain text files that store six parameters, each line containing one parameter. These parameters include information about the size of a pixel, rotation terms, and the coordinates of the upper-left corner of the image. While there are various uses and programs that can open a TFW file, GIS applications like QGIS, ArcGIS, and Global Mapper can efficiently handle and process them, associating the TFW file with the corresponding TIFF image.

TFW file as Text World Files

As previously mentioned, a TFW file is primarily a Text World File that accompanies georeferenced raster images in GIS applications. When opening a raster image with georeferencing information in GIS software, it automatically searches for a TFW file with the same name as the image file. If found, the software uses the information in the TFW file to correctly place and scale the image. With the right software and tools, you can easily create, open, and edit TFW files. Some popular GIS applications that can handle TFW files include QGIS, ArcGIS, and Global Mapper.

Editing TFW files

Since TFW files are plain text, they can be opened and edited using any basic text editor like Notepad++, Sublime Text, or the default text editor of your operating system. Remember to keep the required format when editing these files, or you may cause issues while processing them in your GIS software.

Converting TFW Files

Usually, converting a TFW file is not necessary because the file itself only contains georeferencing information. However, if required, you could use tools to convert the accompanying TIFF image to another raster format like JPEG or PNG, then use georeferencing software to create a new World File for that specific format. GIS applications like QGIS come in handy to georeference raster images and generate new World Files.

TFW File Important Information

It is crucial to know that TFW files don't hold any geospatial data themselves. Instead, they contain essential spatial context information for their associated raster files (usually in TIFF format). When dealing with geospatial data, always ensure your TFW files and their corresponding images share the same name so that the GIS software can accurately utilize the georeferencing data.

How Can I Open TFW File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open TFW file is to find a TFW file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a TFW 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 TFW 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 TFW file opener then try to search online for "TFW viewer", "application to open TFW file" or "open TFW file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open TFW file

How Can I Open TFW File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a TFW file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a TFW 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 TFW file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as TFW file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open TFW file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open TFW file then try to search for "TFW viewer", "application to open TFW file" or "read TFW file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read TFW file

How Can I Open TFW File on Android

If you downloaded a TFW 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 TFW 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 "TFW".
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 "TFW viewer", "TFW 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 TFW File on iPhone or iPad

To open TFW 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 TFW 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 "TFW". This way you can find apps which can open TFW 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 "TFW viewer" or "TFW file" online in your favorite search engine.

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