What is the MI file format?
Files with the .mi extension are used for storing graphic plugin descriptors for Oracle AutoVue, a software application for visualizing engineering documents. .mi files hold the configuration data required for the plugin to work properly within AutoVue's rendering pipeline.
AutoVue is available in versions dedicated to specific industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. The application offers support for a wide variety of file types, including CAD, Office, and image files, as well as PDF and EDA formats. It allows users to visualize, browse, mark up, and print documents, and to collaborate with other users across engineering teams.
.mi is a proprietary plain-text format used only within AutoVue. The first line of the file defines drawing scale and coordinate system parameters; subsequent lines specify rendering rules for how AutoVue maps specific drawing objects to graphical output. More recent releases of AutoVue, now under Oracle maintenance, use updated plugin mechanisms, and the .mi format is considered legacy.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWPlain-text configuration file. No executable content. Safe to open with a text editor.
Format details
in a nutshell- Mental Ray Scene File - NVIDIA mental ray rendering engine used .mi for scene description files (mental ray was discontinued 2017).
- CoCreate OneSpace Designer Document - PTC CoCreate (now PTC Creo Elements/Direct) occasionally produces .mi export files.
Programs that open MI files
Windows2 apps
AutoVue
Paid AutoVue reads .mi files automatically as part of its plugin system; not opened manually by users.
Any text editor (for inspection)
Built-in Open with Notepad, Notepad++, or VS Code to read the plain-text content. Technical details
deep spec| File encoding | Plain text, ASCII |
| Structure | First line defines drawing scale and coordinate system; subsequent lines define object-rendering mapping rules |
| Typical file size | 1 KB - 50 KB |
| Plugin scope | Maps specific CAD and engineering drawing object types to AutoVue's visual rendering rules |
| AutoVue integration | Loaded by AutoVue's graphic rendering engine at startup or when processing a specific drawing type |
| Operating system | Windows only |
| Primary editor | Any plain-text editor; officially managed via AutoVue's plugin configuration interface |
| Use context | Enterprise manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and construction organizations using Oracle PLM environments |
| Format status | Legacy; Oracle AutoVue product in maintenance mode with no active development since approximately 2020 |
| Associated platforms | Oracle Agile PLM, PTC Windchill, and SAP integration environments |
| Released | circa early 2000s (AutoVue enterprise visualization suite) |
| Latest version | AutoVue 21.x (last known; product in maintenance mode under Oracle) |
MI conversions
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about MI files.
