GP2 File Extension

What is GP2 file?

Full format name of files that use GP2 extension is Gerber Inner Plane 2 (negative). Files with GP2 extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with GP2 extension are categorized as 3D Image Files files. The 3D Image Files subset comprises 622 various file formats. The software recommended for managing GP2 files is Altium Designer. Altium Designer software was developed by Altium Limited., and on its official website you may find more information about GP2 files or the Altium Designer software program.

Programs which support GP2 file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support GP2 files. Files with GP2 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 GP2 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening GP2 files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Gerber Inner Plane 2 (negative) 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 GP2 files.

Step 1. Download and install Altium Designer

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening GP2 files is that no program that can handle GP2 files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Altium Designer and install it on your device. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support GP2 files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Altium Designer installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Altium Limited. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Altium Designer

If the problems with opening GP2 files still occur even after installing Altium Designer, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Altium Designer is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Altium Designer cannot handle files with GP2 may be that the software is outdated.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 Altium Designer.

Step 3. Associate Gerber Inner Plane 2 (negative) files with Altium Designer

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate GP2 files with latest version of Altium Designer you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the GP2 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 Altium Designer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open GP2 files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the GP2 file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• 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 GP2 extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the GP2 file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the GP2 file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the GP2 in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the GP2 is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. GP2 file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the GP2 file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic GP2 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 GP2 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.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Gerber Inner Plane 2 (negative) file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Altium Designer

If the systems has insufficient resources to open GP2 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 Gerber Inner Plane 2 (negative) file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle GP2 files.

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