SPH File Extension

What is SPH file?

Files with the extension SPH belong to the category of graphic files.

What do SPH files contain?

Contents of files with the SPH extension are data used in software called Ribbons, which was used for molecular graphics presentation. In SPH files, information about the appearance of specific molecules is stored. The dedicated application uses them during the imaging of individual atomic connections. Nowadays, the Ribbons software is obsolete, therefore files with the SPHXXXX extension are not encountered very often.

Programs which support SPH file extension

Programs that can handle SPH files are as follows. Files with SPH 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: 04/19/2024

How to open file with SPH extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening SPH files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with SPH files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Ribbons

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SPH files is that no program that can handle SPH files is installed on user’s system. To address this issue, go to the Ribbons developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy 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 Ribbons installed is by going to developer’s website (M.Carson) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Ribbons

If you already have Ribbons installed on your systems and SPH files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why SPH files are not compatible with Ribbons. The latest version of Ribbons should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open SPH files to Ribbons

After installing Ribbons (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open SPH files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the SPH with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Ribbons is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open SPH files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the SPH file and select 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
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with SPH extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the SPH 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 SPH file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

If the SPH is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the SPH file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. SPH file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

If you obtained the problematic SPH 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 SPH extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Ribbons

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

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Ribbons Sphere Format files. It may be the case that the SPH files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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