FASTQ File Extension

What is FASTQ file?

FASTQ filename suffix is mostly used for FASTQ Format files. Files with FASTQ extension may be used by programs distributed for Linux, Mac OS, Windows platform. Files with FASTQ extension are categorized as Misc Files files. The Misc Files subset comprises 6033 various file formats. Users are advised to use Sublime Text software for managing FASTQ files, although 8 other programs can also handle this type of file. Sublime Text software was developed by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd, and on its official website you may find more information about FASTQ files or the Sublime Text software program.

Programs which support FASTQ file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support FASTQ files. Files with FASTQ suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 02/05/2020

How to open file with FASTQ extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening FASTQ files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with FASTQ extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Sublime Text software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening FASTQ files is that no program that can handle FASTQ files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Sublime Text or one to the listed programs: PSPad, NotePad++ text editor, Atom. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Sublime Text installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Sublime HQ Pty Ltd website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Sublime Text and update if needed

You still cannot access FASTQ files although Sublime Text is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. 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 FASTQ files are not compatible with Sublime Text. The most recent version of Sublime Text is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate FASTQ Format files with Sublime Text

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

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the FASTQ with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Sublime Text installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open FASTQ files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the FASTQ file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• 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 FASTQ extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the FASTQ file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the FASTQ file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

Should it happed that the FASTQ is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the FASTQ file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If you obtained the problematic FASTQ 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 FASTQ extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Sublime Text

If the systems has insufficient resources to open FASTQ 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 FASTQ Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with FASTQ files affecting older versions of given software.

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