since 2000
Opening an ARE File
The ARE file type is primarily associated with OfflineMaps.
What is an ARE file?
ARE files mostly belong to OfflineMaps. ARE files are specialized container files that hold area data used primarily by offline mapping software. They store spatial information defining map regions and are not meant to be read with a standard text editor.
These files serve two main purposes:Offline Maps: They contain map area details for applications like OfflineMaps and AlpineQuest. For more information, visit OfflineMaps or AlpineQuest. Game Level Design: Some ARE files are used by video games, such as those from Neverwinter Nights and The Witcher 3, to store level geometry and layout data. Tools like AresEdit are employed to modify these game maps. FilExt.com note: The internal structure of a ARE file varies with its use. Each version is crafted to meet the distinct needs of either geographic mapping or game development, which means the method to open and edit them differs depending on the source application.
These files serve two main purposes:
How can I open an ARE file?
You need a suitable software like OfflineMaps to open an ARE 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 ARE file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a ARE file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.
Online ARE Text Viewer
or drag and drop it here
Read our privacy guarantee in Filext’s terms and privacy policy
Please allow ads on our site
This helps us keep our servers running. Then re-upload your file to view it.Click here to see how to disable the ad blocker for filext.com
Programs that open and convert ARE files:
- OfflineMaps
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. ARE files are often referred to as OfflineMaps gis because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
- BioWare Aurora Engine (Area) by BioWare Corp.In the BioWare Aurora engine, each Area in a module is described by three files. Each file has the same filename, but a different extension. The following are brief summaries of the area file types. ARE - static area information: area properties and tile layout. GIT - dynamic area information - game object instances and sound properties. GIC - area comments - contains toolset-only comments on game object instances. The file type are in BioWare's Generic File Format (GFF).
- Infinity Game Engine (Area Description) by BioWare Corp.The identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 41 52 45 41 56 31 2E 30, ASCII: AREAV1.0. This file format is classified as Game.
Technical Data for ARE File Extension
File classification:
GIS
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: Arcaed.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\KADATH~1\ARCANU~1\arcaed.exe /dde
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\KADATH~1\ARCANU~1\arcaed.exe /dde
ProgramID: AreaEditor.Document
EXEFile: E:\DOCUME~1\(.)\Desktop\smaug\AREAED~1.33\AREAED~1.EXE /dde
EXEFile: E:\DOCUME~1\(.)\Desktop\smaug\AREAED~1.33\AREAED~1.EXE /dde
an are data file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.
How to solve problems with ARE files
- Associate the ARE file extension with the correct application.
- Update your software that should actually open data files. Because only the current version supports the latest ARE file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available OfflineMaps update.
- To make sure that your ARE file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
- Click here to open your .ARE file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.