SHP 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.
.shp file type #1: ESRI Shapefile format
shp files are in most cases geospatial vector data files utilized in ESRI GIS software. These were subsequently embraced by other vendors. It's important not to mistake them for AutoCAD shape files, which are a different format but have the same extension.
Further details:
SHP files are often used for various shapefiles, which is a popular geospatial vector data format for geographic information system (GIS) software.
It is developed and regulated by Esri as a (mostly) open specification for data interoperability among Esri and other GIS software products. The shapefile format can spatially describe vector features: points, lines, and polygons, representing, for example, water wells, rivers, and lakes. Each item usually has attributes that describe it, such as name or temperature.
Open file with:
ArcGIS for Desktop Basic (ArcView)
A GIS application used to work with geographic data
.shp file type #2: AutoCAD shape file or source file for text fonts
Files with shp extension are also used by Autodesk programs like AutoCAD. These shape files contain geometric shapes for fonts. Should not be confused with ESRI shape files used in GIS software. Same extension, different format.
Further details:
The shp file extension is also related to AutoCAD, a CAD development platform, developed by Autodesk, Inc.
This type of shp files are called shape files, ASCII files that use code to define specific shapes. Shapes include each letter of an SHX font and the batting symbol for the insulation linetype. It’s almost never necessary for a user to create a shape file. Also used by other AutoDesk programs.
Should not be confused with ESRI shape file file that also use SHP file extension. It is a different format used for GIS software.
Open file with:
AutoCAD
Leading 2D and 3D CAD development software from Autodesk
.shp file type #3: Blazing Paddles shape table
An shp file extension is associated with the Blazing Paddles shape table format.
Further details:
The shp file extension is related to the Blazing Paddles, a bitmap picture image editing program for ATARI 8-bit computers developed by 1979.
The shp file contains shape table from Blazing Paddles.
Open file with:
RECOIL
A viewer of pictures in native formats of classic computers
.shp file type #4: CARE-S InfoWorks pipe cross-section data
An shp file extension is related to the CARE-S modeling software and used for its pipe cross-section data files.
Further details:
The shp file extension is associated with the CARE--S (Computer Aided REhabilitation of Sewer Networks) a modeling tool for Microsoft Windows that allows designers to modeling sewer networks.
The shp file contains pipe cross-section data.
Open file with:
CARE-S
Set of tools for maintenance of sewer networks
.shp file type #5: Clarion for Windows ship list
An shp file extension is related to the Clarion for Windows and used for its ship list files.
Further details:
The shp file extension is associated with the Clarion, a database applications development environment for Microsoft Windows operating system.
The shp file stores ship list used by Clarion for Windows.
Open file with:
Clarion
A database developing environment
.shp file type #6: Command & Conquer game data
An shp file extension is related to the Command & Conquer video game. An shp file contains game data.
Further details:
The shp file extension is associated with the Command & Conquer, a real time strategic video game for MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows and video gaming consoles.
The shp file stores various game data used by this video game.
Open file with:
Command and Conquer
A legendary real-time strategy computer game for Microsoft Windows
.shp file type #7: Movie Maker shape
Files with shp file extension are associated with Movie Maker shape format.
Further details:
The shp file extension is related to the Movie Maker, a video editing program developed for Atari 8-bit computers.
The shp file contains shape (160x96, 4 colors) from Movie Maker program.
Open file with:
RECOIL
A viewer of pictures in native formats of classic computers
.shp file type #8: PrintMaster icon library
An shp file extension is related to the PrintMaster designing suite and used for its icon libraries.
Further details:
The shp file extension is associated with the PrintMaster, a designing software for Microsoft Windows that allows users to create greeting cards, scrapbooks, calendars etc.
The shp file contains icon library used by PrintMaster.
Open file with:
PrintMaster
A program used to create greeting cards