File Extension Database

Open URL File

A URL file extension is a shortcut file that is referenced by modern web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE), Apple Safari, and Google Chrome.

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator and is the unique and specific address that is assigned to each of the resources available on the World Wide Web so that they can be located by the browser and visited by users.

That is, every time you browse the internet, the URLs go with you.

In other words, each page, each resource, is linked to a URL, because otherwise browsers would not be able to locate the information requested by the user.

URLs are essential in web searches

It contains a web URL and may also store a reference to the 'favicon.ico' icon file, which is displayed as the shortcut file icon.

URL files open an Internet location, such as a web address, in the user's default browser.

Usually, the location of the shortcut can be seen by opening the file in a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad or Apple TextEdit.

To create a URL file in Windows, simply drag the URL from the browser window to the desktop.

A URL file will be created that will open the address on double click.

Instead, if you drag the URL to the desktop on a Mac, a .WEBLOC file will be created in its place.

For security, Microsoft Windows does not display the URL file extension even though it exists in the file name.

Therefore, URL files saved with Windows web browsers will appear with only the file name prefix.

Software to open and work with a URL file

Typical URL application file locations:

OpenDSLFile %1

Typical URL mime types:

rundll32.exe ieframe.dll

Frequently associated Windows objects:

InternetShortcut

How Can I Open URL File on Windows

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

How Can I Open URL File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open URL File on Android

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

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

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