IES File Extension

What is IES file?

File with .IES extension contains photometric data saved in ASCII text format that conforms to Illuminating Engineering Society of North America IESNA LM-63-86 standard. Photometric data include:

• Light source – total quantity of visible light emitted by the source; measured in lumens,
• Light intensity – amount of lumens in given direction across solid angle; measured in -candelas,
• Light source power – measured in watts,
• Information related to absolute or relative data format.

IES files may also store information about the manufacturer, accession number, and light source. IES standard was developed in 1986, and updated in 1995 and 2002. The format is mostly used in North America and Europe region. IES files are generated by automated device for measuring emitted light – goniophotometer.

IES files are lighting equipment manufacturers for architectural project simulations. Such files allow designers to asses efficiency of lighting systems before they are installed. Similar simulations are conducted as a part of light source illumination assessment process for roadways. IES files, in contrast to industry-oriented LDT photometric files, they don’t contain CCD and CRI data. IES files can be opened with file viewers and converted to other file formats.

Programs which support IES file extension

The following listing features IES-compatible programs. Files with IES 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.

Updated: 10/03/2023

How to open file with IES extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening IES files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with IES extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Revit Architecture

Problems with opening and working with IES files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with IES files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Revit Architecture or different compatible program, such as 3ds Max, RenderZone, ZEMAX. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Revit Architecture installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Autodesk, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Revit Architecture to the latest version

If you already have Revit Architecture installed on your systems and IES 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 IES files are not compatible with Revit Architecture. The latest version of Revit Architecture should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate IES Photometric Data Format files with Revit Architecture

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

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the IES 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
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Revit Architecture is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open IES files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the IES file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with IES extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the IES for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the IES file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The IES 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 IES file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the IES file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the IES file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the IES file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with IES extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the IES Photometric Data Format file.

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

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

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 IES Photometric Data Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle IES files.

Do you want to help?

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