ROU File Extension

What is ROU file?

ROU filename suffix is mostly used for Gerber Route Format files. Files with ROU extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with ROU extension are categorized as Data Files files. The Data Files subset comprises 1326 various file formats. Altium Designer is by far the most used program for working with ROU files. Altium Designer software was developed by Altium Limited., and on its official website you may find more information about ROU files or the Altium Designer software program.

Programs which support ROU file extension

The following listing features ROU-compatible programs. Files with ROU suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with ROU extension?

Being unable to open files with ROU extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Gerber Route Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Altium Designer

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening ROU files is that no program that can handle ROU files is installed on user’s system. To address this issue, go to the Altium Designer developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ROU files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Altium Designer installed is by going to developer’s website (Altium Limited.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Altium Designer

You still cannot access ROU files although Altium Designer is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Altium Designer cannot handle files with ROU may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Altium Designer should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ROU files to Altium Designer

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the ROU file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Altium Designer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ROU files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ROU file open the file menu and choose 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
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ROU extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the ROU is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the ROU file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

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

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

Did you receive the ROU 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. It could happen the the download process of file with ROU extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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 in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

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

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

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 Gerber Route Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the ROU files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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