HLSL File Extension

What is HLSL file?

HLSL filename suffix is mostly used for High Level Shader Language Format files. Microsoft defined the High Level Shader Language Format format standard. HLSL file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. Files with HLSL extension are categorized as 3D Image Files files. The 3D Image Files subset comprises 622 various file formats. The most popular program for handling HLSL files is Microsoft Visual Studio, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theMicrosoft Visual Studio software, but also about HLSL and other supported file formats.

Programs which support HLSL file extension

The following listing features HLSL-compatible programs. Files with HLSL 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 HLSL extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening HLSL files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with HLSL files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Visual Studio

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening HLSL files is that no program that can handle HLSL files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Visual Studio or one of the recommended programs (for example, DirectX) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support HLSL files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Visual Studio installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Visual Studio and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft Visual Studio installed on your systems and HLSL files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why HLSL files are not compatible with Microsoft Visual Studio. The latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate High Level Shader Language Format files with Microsoft Visual Studio

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate HLSL files with latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the HLSL file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Visual Studio installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open HLSL files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with HLSL extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft Visual Studio and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with HLSL extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the HLSL file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the HLSL file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the HLSL in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the HLSL is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. HLSL file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the HLSL file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic HLSL file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with HLSL extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the High Level Shader Language Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Visual Studio

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

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with High Level Shader Language Format file. It may be the case that the HLSL files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the HLSL file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on HLSL file.