ABI File Extension

What is ABI file?

Full format name of files that use ABI extension is DNA Chromatogram Format. ABI file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. ABI file belongs to the Data Files category just like 1326 other filename extensions listed in our database. Users are advised to use SnapGene software for managing ABI files, although 8 other programs can also handle this type of file. SnapGene software was developed by GSL Biotech, and on its official website you may find more information about ABI files or the SnapGene software program.

Programs which support ABI file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support ABI files. ABI files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with ABI extension?

Problems with accessing ABI may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to DNA Chromatogram Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ABI files.

Step 1. Install SnapGene software

Problems with opening and working with ABI files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ABI files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install SnapGene or one to the listed programs: BioEdit, DNA Baser, QualTrace. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ABI files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading SnapGene installed is by going to developer’s website (GSL Biotech) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update SnapGene to the latest version

If you already have SnapGene installed on your systems and ABI 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 The reason that SnapGene cannot handle files with ABI may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using SnapGene.

Step 3. Assign SnapGene to ABI files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ABI files with latest version of SnapGene you have installed on your device. 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 ABI file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where SnapGene is installed, check the Always use this app to open ABI files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the ABI 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 ABI extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the ABI is not faulty

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 ABI file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the ABI file for viruses or malware

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

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

If the ABI file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the ABI file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

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 DNA Chromatogram Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle SnapGene

If the systems has insufficient resources to open ABI files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

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 DNA Chromatogram Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle ABI files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the ABI file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on ABI file.