AFS File Extension

What is AFS file?

Full format name of files that use AFS extension is STAAD.foundation Project Format. STAAD.foundation Project Format specification was created by Bentley Systems. Files with AFS extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with AFS extension are categorized as CAD Files files. The CAD Files subset comprises 158 various file formats. The most popular program for handling AFS files is STAAD.foundation, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support AFS file extension

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

How to open file with AFS extension?

Being unable to open files with AFS extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with AFS 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. Get the STAAD.foundation

Problems with opening and working with AFS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with AFS files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select STAAD.foundation or one of the recommended programs (for example, Adobe Type Manager) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading STAAD.foundation installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of STAAD.foundation and update if needed

If you already have STAAD.foundation installed on your systems and AFS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why AFS files are not compatible with STAAD.foundation. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using STAAD.foundation.

Step 3. Set the default application to open AFS files to STAAD.foundation

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate AFS files with latest version of STAAD.foundation you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the AFS file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where STAAD.foundation is installed, check the Always use this app to open AFS files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with AFS extension, 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....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with AFS extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the AFS for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the AFS file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The AFS 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 AFS file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the AFS file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If you obtained the problematic AFS file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with AFS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the STAAD.foundation Project Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open STAAD.foundation

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

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

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