MAN File Extension

What is MAN file?

Files with .MAN extension contain Unix user manuals. Man pages can be accessed by issuing the man command followed by additional commands. Initial MAN file specification used plain text documents divided into sections. MAN pages are displayed is system text mode, but can be converted to various text formats.

MAN file format

MAN is a text file, and thus can be opened using any text editor, but user manuals are commonly accessed using the system tool man invoked from the command line. Many graphical system environments offer various tool for viewing man documents. MAN files can be divided into the following sections:

1. NAME – name of given program/tool/library/function, followed by a short description,
2. SYNOPSIS – describes parameters and options for given command, and optionally a C function header,
3. DESCRIPTION – detailed description of given command and its functions,
4. EXAMPLES – some examples of how the command can be used,
5. SEE ALSO – a list of related functions of commands.

Unix/Linux user manuals are not saved as MAN files, however. Usually manuals are saved with a suffix indicating which part of given manual the file holds. MAN files are typically in English, although some manuals are localized on various distributions. MAN files support display formatting macros.

Unix and Linux/BSD man pages sections

MAN documents are divided into sections. The man command by default displays the first section of manual out of 7 (Unix System V) or 8 (Linux/BSD) total, which are:

• General commands
• System calls
• C library functions
• Special files / formats
• File formats
• Games and screensavers
• Miscellanea / Special files
• Daemons and systems administration

Accessing given section requires user to issue man section_number name command, for example, "man 5 passwd". Manual output can be redirected to a different application for easier reading, for example, to cat or less tools.

Programs which support MAN file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support MAN files. Files with MAN suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 12/14/2023

How to open file with MAN extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening MAN files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with MAN extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Windows Notepad

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports MAN files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Windows Notepad or one of the recommended programs (for example, WordPad, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP Professional) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Windows Notepad installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Windows Notepad to the latest version

You still cannot access MAN files although Windows Notepad is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Windows Notepad installed, it may not support MAN format. The latest version of Windows Notepad should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Windows Notepad to MAN files

After installing Windows Notepad (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open MAN files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

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 MAN file
• 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 Windows Notepad is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open MAN files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the MAN file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with MAN extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the MAN file is complete and free of 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 MAN file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

Should it happed that the MAN is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the MAN file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If you obtained the problematic MAN 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. It could happen the the download process of file with MAN 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. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Unix Manual file again.

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

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Unix Manual files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the MAN files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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