HDF files: what are they and how do I open them?
Are you facing difficulties opening unknown files on your computer, or wondering exactly what this file is?
We've got the information and best software solutions for opening these files effortlessly.
.hdf file type #1: Hierarchical Data Format
Files with hdf file extension are objects files in the Hierarchical Data Format.
Further details:
The hdf file extension is commonly used for Hierarchical Data Format. It is a library and multi-object file format for the transfer of graphical and numerical data between machines. It is freely available. The distribution consists of the HDF library, the HDF command line utilities, and a test suite (source code only).
Features of the HDF File Format:
- It is versatile. HDF supports several different data models. Each data model defines a specific aggregate data type and provides an API for reading, writing, and organizing data and metadata of the corresponding type. Data models supported include multidimensional arrays, raster images, and tables.
- It is self-describing, allowing an application to interpret the structure and contents of a file without any outside information.
- It is flexible. With HDF, you can mix and match related objects together in one file and then access them as a group or as individual objects. Users can also create their own grouping structures using an HDF feature called vgroups.
- It is extensible. It can easily accommodate new data models, regardless of whether they are added by the HDF development team or by HDF users.
It is portable. hdf files can be shared across most common platforms, including many workstations and high performance computers. An hdf file created on one computer can be read on a different system without modification.
mime types:
application/x-hdf
Open file with:
HDF
Applications for manipulating, viewing, and analyzing data in HDF format
.hdf file type #2: Amiga hard disk image
Files with hdf file extension can also be found as Amiga / ZX-Spectrum disk images for emulators.
Further details:
The hdf file extension is also used in several emulators for a special disk image format that mimics IDE hard drive from old Amiga, ZX-Spectrum and perhaps other brands of computers.
Open file with:
Amiga Forever
Amiga emulator
.hdf file type #3: Help document
A hdf file extension is related to the Help Development Kit.
Further details:
The hdf file extension is associated with the Help Development Kit, an app used to create DOS help databases, Windows help (WinHelp), OS/2 (IPF) and DESQview/X help source files.
The hdf file stores various data used for internal purposes of the Help Development Kit.
Mime types:
application/x-hdf
Open file with:
Help Development Kit
Hypertext help database development kit