File Extension Database

Open VOB File

File extension VOB most commonly refers to a DVD Video Object file, and is one of the most widespread formats used to store video and audio streams on DVD discs. The VOB format also may denote a Vue d'Esprit object, which is a 3D model created for use within the application.

DVD VOB files are a container, which consist of video, audio and subtitle streams. The video stream is in MPEG-2 format, whilst the audio can be in AC3, MPEG-2 multichannel, MPEG-1 Layer 2 dual channel or PCM format. The vast majority of VOB files contain an AC3 audio stream as it offers a good compromise between quality and bitrate. PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) streams are used on occasions where high-quality audio is the primary objective, such as on music DVDs, though given their uncompressed nature and inevitably large file sizes, are not often used for film soundtracks.

VOB files often contain audio tracks and subtitles in multiple languages, which are usually streamed alongside the video. Though this creates a higher bandwidth demand, it does make it possible to switch between streams during playback. It is also common to find a DVD consisting of multiple VOB files, whereby each individual file represents a single scene or chapter. This allows easy navigation through the contents of a DVD, as the playback software can simply skip to the beginning of the desired VOB file. In many cases, an File extension IFO file accompanies the VOB file which contains menu information as well as the location of each chapter, particularly in cases where the VOB file is not split.

Most DVD playing software can open VOB files, and popular applications include CyberLink PowerDVD, Windows Media Player, VLC Media Player and InterVideo WinDVD. DVD creation software such as Nero and Roxio are also able to import VOB files and burn them to disc.

Typical VOB application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"

Frequently used application names to open VOB files:

Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.video.14.0

How Can I Open VOB File on Windows

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

How Can I Open VOB File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open VOB File on Android

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

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