NITF File Extension

What is NITF file?

Files with the NITF extension contain data used in information systems of the Department of Defense of the United States. This system has been developed since the 90s of the last century. Currently, NITF files can store images and photos, texts and symbols, layers, and metadata.

What are NITF files used for?

Files with the NITF extension are used by the military and intelligence of the USA. These formations have adopted a common standard of information transfer, which required the creation of a universal data format. Therefore, NITF files can store practically any resources, including satellite and aerial photographs.

Programs which support NITF file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open NITF files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. NITF files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/15/2024

How to open file with NITF extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening NITF files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with NITF extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with NITF files.

Step 1. Download and install ENVI

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening NITF files is that no program that can handle NITF files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select ENVI or one of the recommended programs (for example, GDAL, XnView, Converter Pro) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support NITF files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit ENVI website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of ENVI and update if needed

If you already have ENVI installed on your systems and NITF 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. The reason that ENVI cannot handle files with NITF may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of ENVI is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign ENVI to NITF files

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

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the NITF file and choose Open with option
• 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 ENVI installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open NITF files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected NITF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select ENVI and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with NITF extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the NITF 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 NITF file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the NITF file for viruses or malware

If the NITF 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. If the scanner detected that the NITF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the NITF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the NITF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the National Imagery Transmission Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open ENVI

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support NITF files. Close all running programs and try opening the NITF file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with National Imagery Transmission Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with NITF files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

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