IDL file icon

IDL File Extension

Interface Definition Language Format

What is IDL file?

IDL filename suffix is mostly used for Interface Definition Language Format files. Interface Definition Language Format specification was created by Microsoft. IDL file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. Files with IDL extension are categorized as Developer Files files. The Developer Files subset comprises 1205 various file formats. The most popular software that supports IDL files is Microsoft Visual Studio. Software named Microsoft Visual Studio was created by Microsoft Corporation. In order to find more detailed information on the software and IDL files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support IDL file extension

The following listing features IDL-compatible programs. IDL files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Programs that support IDL file

How to open file with IDL extension?

Problems with accessing IDL may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Interface Definition Language 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 IDL files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Visual Studio software

Install software to open IDL file Problems with opening and working with IDL files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with IDL files being present on your machine. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Microsoft Visual Studio and install it on your device. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft Visual Studio installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio

Update software that support file extension IDLIf you already have Microsoft Visual Studio installed on your systems and IDL files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed, it may not support IDL 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 Microsoft Visual Studio.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Visual Studio to IDL files

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage IDL on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Associate software with IDL file on Windows

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

  • Clicking the IDL with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
  • Select Choose another app → More apps
  • The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Visual Studio is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open IDL files and clicking OK.
Associate software with IDL file on Mac

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

  • From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with IDL 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....
  • Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with IDL extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the IDL is not faulty

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

Check IDL file for viruses
1. Verify that the IDL in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the IDL is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the IDL file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

Did you receive the IDL file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with IDL extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Visual Studio

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with IDL 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 Interface Definition Language Format files. It may be the case that the IDL files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the IDL 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 IDL file.

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