MAIN File Extension

What is MAIN file?

Full format name of files that use MAIN extension is FileMaker Dictionary. FileMaker Dictionary format was developed by FileMaker, Inc.. MAIN files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. Files with MAIN extension are categorized as Misc Files files. The Misc Files subset comprises 6033 various file formats. FileMaker Pro is by far the most used program for working with MAIN files. Software named FileMaker Pro was created by FileMaker, Inc.. In order to find more detailed information on the software and MAIN files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support MAIN file extension

The following listing features MAIN-compatible programs. Files with MAIN 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 MAIN extension?

Being unable to open files with MAIN extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to FileMaker Dictionary files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install FileMaker Pro software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening MAIN files is that no program that can handle MAIN files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download FileMaker Pro and install it on your device. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading FileMaker Pro installed is by going to developer’s website (FileMaker, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of FileMaker Pro

If you already have FileMaker Pro installed on your systems and MAIN files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why MAIN files are not compatible with FileMaker Pro. The most recent version of FileMaker Pro is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate FileMaker Dictionary files with FileMaker Pro

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate MAIN files with latest version of FileMaker Pro 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 MAIN 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 FileMaker Pro is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open MAIN files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected MAIN file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select FileMaker Pro and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with MAIN extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

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

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 MAIN file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

If the MAIN 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. If the MAIN file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If the MAIN file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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 MAIN extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the FileMaker Dictionary file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle FileMaker Pro

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with MAIN extension. In this case close the other applications.

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 FileMaker Dictionary file. It may be the case that the MAIN files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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