Open MXF files

  • Full name
    Material Exchange Format
  • Developer
    SMPTE
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a MXF file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a MXF file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your MXF file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is MXF file?

The file extension MXF marks media files in the so-called Material Exchange Format. It is a container format for videos, audio or pictures. Mxf files also contain metadata about the data they contain, such as the duration of a video and the compression method used.

More info

The MXF was created to simplify the exchange between cameras, video editing systems and professional video servers. Meanwhile, the MXF is used by manufacturers such as Sony and Panasonic, but usually only a part of the specifications is supported, which can lead to incompatibilities.

It should be noted that even with full support of the MXF, the compression method used in an MXF file must be playable or installed (codecs).

Programs which can open a MXF file

How to open file with MXF extension?

In order to open a file with MXF extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening MXF file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with MXF files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install QuickTime Player or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening MXF files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support MXF files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of MXF files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set QuickTime Player as the default program for opening MXF files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate MXF files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the QuickTime Player applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where QuickTime Player has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with MXF files

Sometimes problems with opening MXF files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • MXF files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open MXF files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • MXF file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

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