File Extension Database

Open ZIM File

ZIM files are a form of compressed and bundled file used to store a collection of Wiki content for offline reading. The files come packaged with metadata, pictures, and full-text search indices. This format was initially used by the Kiwix software, but other programs have adopted it for similar uses. If your goal is to open these files, different ways are depending on what software or program you have access to.

Kiwix

Perhaps, the most recognized method of opening ZIM files is with Kiwix, an offline reader for web content. It's available on most platforms including, but not limited to: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. All these platforms can access the file with ease. To use it, you need to download Kiwix, and then download the desired dataset, the ZIM file. After which, you can use Kiwix to open the ZIM file.

OpenZIM

OpenZIM is an initiative to provide offline access to educational contents. It utilizes ZIM files to achieve its aim. You can use their OpenZIM software to open ZIM files and access their catalog of package files. It provides a streamlined way to view educational content offline.

ZIMReader

If you're a programmer or someone who likes to get their hands a bit dirty, a project on Github called ZIMReader is an excellent alternative. This JavaScript reader can unpack ZIM files and allow you to read the content. It requires more setup than the other options provided, but gives you full control in how you want to handle and view the content.

ZIM File Important Information

When dealing with ZIM files it's essential to remember a few pieces of critical information. Firstly, ZIM files are predominantly used to provide offline access to a wide variety of materials, most notably Wikipedia. Therefore, if you do not need offline access, it may be more helpful to visit the websites themselves. Secondly, there are many different ZIM files available, providing different data sets, it's essential to find the ZIM file that matches what you're seeking.

How Can I Open ZIM File on Windows

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

How Can I Open ZIM File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open ZIM File on Android

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

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

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.

Extensionfile.net team was busy developing new customer service product app to help access customer service easier. Check it out on the Apple app store.