Opening AB2 Files

The AB2 file type is primarily associated with Parson's Address Book.

AB2File Extension AB2
File extension: AB2
File type:  Parson's Address Book files

What is an AB2 file?

AB2 files mostly belong to Parson's Address Book. Use our "Online AB2 Text Viewer" below to analyze your AB2 file and to see all text it contains.

How to open AB2 files

You need a suitable software like Parson's Address Book to open an AB2 file. You need a suitable software like Parson's Address Book to open an AB2 file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your AB2 file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a AB2 file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online AB2 Text Viewer

Choose your .ab2 file to analyze

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Unable to Open a .AB2 File? Quick Solutions:

Since .AB2 files originate from different programs, they aren't universally openable.

  1. Identify the Source: Files from older contact management workflows or desktop publishing projects often suggest an address book format.
  2. Check the Header: Inspect the first bytes in a text editor or hex viewer:
    • Readable names or XML/JSON indicate a structured contact list.
    • "PK" magic bytes imply a compressed archive.
    • Unreadable binary data suggests a proprietary database.
  3. Use the Original Software: Opening the file usually requires the original program, like Parson's Address Book or Broderbund's The Print Shop; ask the sender if uncertain.
  4. Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your .AB2 file into our viewer to detect the format, extract readable text, and preview contents.

Technical Data for AB2 File Extension

Related files:

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: Adbook.Document, FileType: Adbook Document, AppName: Ultimate Mail Manager
EXEFile: ADBOOK.EXE

ProgramID: Adbook.Document, FileType: Adbook.Document, AppName: Address Book

ProgramID: Adbook.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Broderbund\UMM\adbook.exe %1

ProgramID: Adbook.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\COMMON~1\BRODER~1\UMM\Adbook.exe %1

ProgramID: Adbook.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\PARSON~1\ADDRES~1\6.0\adbook.exe


an ab2 Parson's Address Book file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with AB2 files

  • Associate the AB2 file extension with the correct application.
  • Update your software that should actually open Parson's Address Book files. Because only the current version supports the latest AB2 file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available Parson's Address Book update.
  • To make sure that your AB2 file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
  • Click here to open your .AB2 file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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