Opening an IDL File

The IDL file type is primarily associated with Visual Studio.

IDL	File extension: IDL
	File type:	interface definition

What is an IDL file?

IDL files mostly belong to Visual Studio by Microsoft. An IDL file contains interface definition(s) written in Interface Definition Language. An IDL file is similar to a C/C++ header containing reusable declarations, type libraries, and macros for interfaces for client/server applications. An IDL file created with Visual Studio is coded in Microsoft Interface Definition Language (MIDL). The Interface Definition Language (IDL) file in applications that use Common Object Request Broker Architecture (COBRA) also contains interface definitions. Such definitions are used for network communication over various machines and operating systems. CRiSP Harvest chinook salmon harvest simulation program uses an IDL file to store the effects of post-fishery/pre-spawning mortality data.

How to open an IDL file

You need a suitable software like Visual Studio to open an IDL 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 IDL file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a IDL file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online IDL Text Viewer

Choose your .idl file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from IDL files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

You can extract texts from IDL file or capture a preview screenshot using our online IDL file viewer:

To do this, click the button "Choose your .idl file to view" on this page.
Your IDL file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert IDL files:

Visual Studio by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. IDL files are often referred to as Visual Studio developers because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
CRiSP Harvest (post-fishery/pre-spawning mortality data) by Columbia Basin Research
CRiSP Harvest is a chinook salmon harvest and stock simulation software. It uses an IDL file to store data about the effects of post-fishery, pre-spawning mortality. This file format is classified as Developer.
Snappy Devdocs
Sublime (interface definition) by Sublime
Sublime is a cross-platform code editor. It can create and edit an IDL file containing definitions written in OMG's interface definition language. This file format is classified as Developer. Related links: OMG CORBA Interface Definition Language

Technical Data for IDL File Extension

File classification:

Developer

Related files:

pro, idml, zip, yar, idb, dll, idlk, sav, idf, ldb, md, exe, txt, bas, frx, sln

Mime type:

text/x-idl

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: idlfile, FileType: IDL file, AppName: Microsoft (R) Developer Studio

ProgramID: idlfile, FileType: Interface Definition Language File, AppName: Microsoft Visual Studio NET 2002
EXEFile: devenv.exe

ProgramID: idlfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio .NET\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde

ProgramID: VisualStudio.idl.7.1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde

ProgramID: JBuilder.IDL
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Borland\JBuilder Foundation 4.0\bin\JBuilderW.exe +SHELL

ProgramID: VisualStudio.idl.7.1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Visual Studio .NET 2003\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde

ProgramID: VisualStudio.idl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde %1

ProgramID: VCExpress.idl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\VCExpress.exe /dde %1

ProgramID: VCExpress.idl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\VCExpress.exe /dde

ProgramID: VisualStudio.idl.9.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe

ProgramID: VCExpress.idl.9.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\VCExpress.exe

Show all 11 listings To Top

an idl interface definition is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with IDL files

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