HDF4 File Extension

What is HDF4 file?

HDF4 is a file extension commonly associated with HDF4 files. HDF4 format was developed by The HDF Group. Files with HDF4 extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with HDF4 extension are categorized as Misc Files files. The Misc Files subset comprises 6033 various file formats. The most popular software that supports HDF4 files is HDFView. Software named HDFView was created by The HDF Group. In order to find more detailed information on the software and HDF4 files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support HDF4 file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support HDF4 files. Files with HDF4 suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with HDF4 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening HDF4 files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with HDF4 extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install HDFView software

Problems with opening and working with HDF4 files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with HDF4 files being present on your machine. The solution is straightforward, just download and install HDFView. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading HDFView installed is by going to developer’s website (The HDF Group) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of HDFView and update if needed

You still cannot access HDF4 files although HDFView is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why HDF4 files are not compatible with HDFView. The most recent version of HDFView is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open HDF4 files to HDFView

After installing HDFView (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open HDF4 files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the HDF4 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 HDFView installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open HDF4 files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected HDF4 file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select HDFView and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with HDF4 extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the HDF4 is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the HDF4 file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the HDF4 in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the HDF4 file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the HDF4 file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the HDF4 file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with HDF4 extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic HDF4 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. If the HDF4 file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

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 HDF4 file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run HDFView

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support HDF4 files. Close all running programs and try opening the HDF4 file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with HDF4 file. It may be the case that the HDF4 files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the HDF4 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 HDF4 file.