BILW File Extension

What is BILW file?

Full format name of files that use BILW extension is ArcGIS BIL World Format. Files with BILW extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. BILW file format, along with 255 other file formats, belongs to the GIS Files category. ArcGIS is by far the most used program for working with BILW files. On the official website of Esri developer not only will you find detailed information about theArcGIS software, but also about BILW and other supported file formats.

Programs which support BILW file extension

Programs that can handle BILW files are as follows. BILW files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 08/02/2020

How to open file with BILW extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening BILW files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to ArcGIS BIL World 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 BILW files.

Step 1. Get the ArcGIS

Problems with opening and working with BILW files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with BILW files being present on your machine. The solution is straightforward, just download and install ArcGIS. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download ArcGIS installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Esri website and download from their official repositories.

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

You still cannot access BILW files although ArcGIS is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of ArcGIS installed, it may not support BILW format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using ArcGIS.

Step 3. Set the default application to open BILW files to ArcGIS

If you have the latest version of ArcGIS installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage BILW on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the BILW 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 ArcGIS installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open BILW files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with BILW extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with BILW extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the BILW 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 BILW file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

Should it happed that the BILW is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the BILW file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. BILW file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

If the BILW file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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 BILW 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.

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. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open ArcGIS

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

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with ArcGIS BIL World Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with BILW files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the BILW 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 BILW file.