NIB 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.
.nib file type #1: Interface Builder user interface resources
A nib file extension is related to the Interface Builder developed by the Apple, Inc.
Further details:
The nib file extension is related to Apple Interface Builder. Interface Builder stores user interface resources in "nib" files.
The nib files are a statically stored representation of the set of interface objects used by the application and their relationships which can be efficiently brought into memory when needed, reducing development time and making it easier to localize an application for different markets.
Open file with:
Interface Builder
A software development program for Mac
Xcode
IDE used for development of app in Objective-C programming language
.nib file type #2: Adobe AIR data
A nib file extension is related to the Adobe Air, a runtime system. A nib file stores data.
Further details:
The nib file extension is used by Adobe AIR, a cross-platform runtime system developed by Adobe Systems
The nib file was found in MAC OS X (macOS) version of Adobe AIR.
Open file with:
Adobe AIR
A runtime environment for rich internet applications
.nib file type #3: Disk image
A nib file extension is associated with the Disk image file format used by emulators of Apple II computers.
Further details:
The nib file extension is related to a special disk image used in old Apple computers. A "disk image" is typically a file containing every data byte on a diskette,i.e. Catalog tracks, files, DOS (if present) etc.. One kind of disk image, NIB, tries to preserve all disk information (e.g. sector headers, sync bytes, etc.).
Apple II emulators running on a PC, Mac, etc. treat disk image files like diskettes. Disk image files are also a handy way to archive Apple II disks on hard disk and to maintain wares on ftp and other download sites.
Some copy protected diskettes can be converted to another kind of disk image called "NIB". Saltine's Super Transcopy (SST) incorporates bit copy routines to attempt to produce a nibblized disk image of a 5.25" diskette.
On your Apple II, SST reads the disk bytes from half a disk and stores that data on a whole normal disk. Then it does the same for the second half. These two disks can be converted to .dsk disk images and moved to a PC or Mac. There, the .dsk images are merged into a NIB image using SST running on an emulator.
If successful, you have a .nib file which can be used like a diskette on popular Apple II emulators. (For one or two older emulators, .nib files are the only useable images.).
The standard length of a .nib file is 232,960 bytes-- much larger than a DSK. However, since .nib files include sector address header and other non-data 'embedded' diskette information, they can be used to image many protected disks.
Naturally, a .nib file preserves DOS 3.3 volume numbering. This allows programs which use volume numbers to identify their disks to run on emulators. Many disks with no copy protection are in .nib form instead of .dsk because the game, etc. which uses the disks needs to check volume numbering.
Open file with:
AppleWin
Apple IIe emulator for Windows
Apple2 Oasis
An Apple 2 emulator for Windows