MXF File Extension

What is MXF file?

MXF (short for Material Exchange Format) is a format developed by Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). MXF is a container file that stores captured audio and video data along with related metadata.

Digital counterpart of analog videotape

MXF file format can be seen as a digital countepart of analog videotape, as the file structure is very similar to that of a videotape. MXF file can store video data encoded using various codecs following SMPTE D10 specification for professional video format.

Universality of MXF format

Main goal of MXF format standardization and facilitation of video data sharing between various platforms, such as cameras, video players, computer systems etc. MXF is optimized for exchange and archivization of multimedia content and inplements Advanced Authoring Format (AAF) specification.

Opening and converting MXF files

Opening MXF files requires proper codec to be used. However, the file can be converted into other more conventional formats, for example, AVI or MOV.

Programs which support MXF file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support MXF files. Files with MXF 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.

Updated: 01/22/2020

How to open file with MXF extension?

Problems with accessing MXF may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with MXF 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 Adobe Premiere Pro software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports MXF files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Adobe Premiere Pro or one of the recommended programs (for example, Avid Pro Tools, EDIUS, XFReader) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Adobe Premiere Pro installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Adobe Systems Incorporated website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Adobe Premiere Pro and update if needed

If the problems with opening MXF files still occur even after installing Adobe Premiere Pro, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe Premiere Pro is available. 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 MXF files are not compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe Premiere Pro.

Step 3. Set the default application to open MXF files to Adobe Premiere Pro

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate MXF files with latest version of Adobe Premiere Pro you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the MXF file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Adobe Premiere Pro is installed, check the Always use this app to open MXF files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected MXF file open the file menu and choose 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....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with MXF extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the MXF is not faulty

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 MXF file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the MXF file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the MXF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. MXF file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

Did you receive the MXF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. 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 MXF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative 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 Material Exchange Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Adobe Premiere Pro

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

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 Material Exchange Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle MXF files.

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