BED File Extension

What is BED file?

BED is a file extension commonly associated with UCSC BED Annotation Track Format files. UCSC defined the UCSC BED Annotation Track Format format standard. BED file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Web, Windows system platform. BED file belongs to the Data Files category just like 1326 other filename extensions listed in our database. Integrated Genome Browser supports BED files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 4 other tools may also be used. Integrated Genome Browser software was developed by UNC Charlotte, and on its official website you may find more information about BED files or the Integrated Genome Browser software program.

Programs which support BED file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support BED files. Files with BED extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with BED extension?

Problems with accessing BED may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with BED files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with BED files.

Step 1. Get the Integrated Genome Browser

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports BED files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Integrated Genome Browser or one to the listed programs: Genome Browser, InfoSnorkel. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Integrated Genome Browser installed is by going to developer’s website (UNC Charlotte) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Integrated Genome Browser

If you already have Integrated Genome Browser installed on your systems and BED files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Integrated Genome Browser cannot handle files with BED may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Integrated Genome Browser should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Integrated Genome Browser to BED files

If you have the latest version of Integrated Genome Browser installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage BED on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the BED with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Integrated Genome Browser is installed, check the Always use this app to open BED files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with BED extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with BED extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the BED for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper BED file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The BED may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the BED file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the BED file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the BED file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with BED extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the BED file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the BED file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the UCSC BED Annotation Track Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Integrated Genome Browser

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with BED extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with UCSC BED Annotation Track Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle BED files.

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