All about REF Files

The REF file type is primarily associated with Train Simulator.

REF	File extension: REF
	File type:	file settings reference file

What is a REF file?

REF files mostly belong to Train Simulator by Microsoft. REF stands for IDRISI Raster Image Reference file. REF files are used to save GIS files created using the IDRISI Taiga application developed by Clark Labs.

Main Use: IDRISI Taiga is a GIS (geographic information system) imaging tool. This application uses REF files to save geographic reference data to facilitate the projection of RST image data as per required unit measurements. A single REF file can be used to project several raster images at once. REF GIS reference files are generally located in the \GEOREF\ sub-directory of the IDRISI Taiga program installation folder. The contents in REF files can be accessed using software such as Clark Labs TerrSet, Clark Labs IDRISI Taiga and the free tool GDAL.
Other Uses: REF file format is also used as a reference file in the Microsoft Train Simulator application. Train Simulator is used to simulate a train journey from the pilot, locomotive engineer, or passenger point of view. Train Simulator uses REF files to save references to shapefile settings such as shape filename, shadow parameters, class, alignment, and description. It is possible to import the set of shapes present in REF files directly into a simulation.

How to open a REF file

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

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Programs that open and convert REF files:

Train Simulator by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. REF files are often referred to as Train Simulator data files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Adaware Antivirus (malware signature file) by Adaware
Adaware Antivirus is developed to safeguard Windows devices from online threats like computer viruses, trojans, browser hijackers, tracking components, and aggressive advertising. It provides tools for real-time computer security. REF file is a reference file that contains malware signature data. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: User Guide, Support, Adaware on Wikipedia
Creo (temporary data file) by PTC
PTC Creo is a computer-aided design software suite that provides features like 3D CAD parametric feature solid modeling, 3D direct modeling, finite element analysis and simulation, schematic design, technical illustrations, etc. This suite for Windows operating systems has superseded Pro/ENGINEER - another PTC product. REF file containes temporary data. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Tutorials, Support, PTC Creo on Wikipedia
ST Guide (reference links file) by Holger Weets
ST-Guide is an old hypertext program for displaying the HYP/REF format documents included with many Atari programs. The big advantage of this program is that you can jump directly to the desired position in a text by mouse click instead of reading through long instructions. REF file is a reference links file. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Info Page, ST-Guide Info
TerrSet/IDRISI (object reference file) by Clark Labs
Clark Labs TerrSet, previously known as IDRISI, is a grid-based integrated geographic information system and remote sensing software developed for the display and analysis of digital geospatial information. Providing tools for scientific research in analyzing Earth system dynamics, this software found its use in environmental management, sustainable resource development, and equitable resource allocation. REF file is a settings file type that stores geographic object reference information so that RST raster images can be projected according to specific object measurements. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Manual, Tutorial, Support, TerrSet on Wikipedia

REF file format details:

The file format, which is the arrangement and type of data in a file, determines which program can open the file. A file format is determined by the file extension and signature, so JPEG images have the extension .jpg and the first bytes in the file are ÿØÿ. File extension, signature and file format must match; otherwise errors will occur when the file is opened. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Our examination of the REF files comes to the following conclusion:

The REF extension is very commonly used. This REF file itself is among the most popular common file types and includes various formats for various programs. But the following two file formats are common:

50% of all REF files use the same file format, which can be identified by the letters "MSH|^~\&|Best" at the beginning. These files are text files and can therefore be read using a text editor. A typical file size is 150 KB. The file type was created recently. The files contain the following words: Best Practice 1, MSH!^~\&!Best Practice, ISO639 and RF1!P^Pending^HL70283!R^Routine^HL70280!GRF^General referral^HL70281!AM^Assume manag.
20% of all REF files use the same file format, which have the signature Racelogic Can Data File V1. They consist of unreadable binary data. The files are 650 bytes to 1 KB in size, with a median of 1 KB. The files contain the following words: Unit serial number : 00000000, Racelogic Can Data File V1a and .HMM. Such REF files store data about ford, renault, toyota, volkswagen, chevrolet and audi.

The remaining 30% of all REF files are files with no common format, frequently e.g. REF and Telefactor. These files are often connected to tmsp, hyundai, fiesta, series, land, civic, honda, volvo or bolt. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your REF file!

Technical Data for REF File Extension

File classification:

Data

Related files:

hl7, rtf, pcmi, flatpakref, zip, txt, dbc, reference, in, atx, tex, nef, pef, pdf, sig, url, bmc, rev, lwf, erf, td, tit, wag

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: Freenet node reference
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Freenet\freenet.exe -import %1

ProgramID: EOS.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Compucon\Stitch_Sew_Demo\StitchSewDemo.exe

a ref file settings reference file is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with REF files

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