Opening an SHP File

The SHP file type is primarily associated with 3DS MAX.

SHP	File extension: SHP
	File type:	shape

What is an SHP file

SHP files mostly belong to 3DS MAX by Autodesk. The SHP file extension is mainly associated with shape files created using AutoCAD, a 2D/3D CAD design program. Such SHP files contain ASCII text that serve as code for describing the physical properties of geometric shapes. ESRI, a program used for geographical analysis uses SHP format to store collections of objects representing geographic elements and their properties such as zip code boundaries, streets, and points. CARE-S, a sewer network modelling software for Windows stores pipe cross-section data in SHP files. Ship lists of Clarion, a database application development environment for Windows computers are stored in SHP files. PrintMaster, a Windows-based software for creating greeting cards, calendars, scrapbooks etc. stores its icon library in an SHP file. The SHP file extension is also used to store shape (160x96, 4 colors) of Movie Maker and shape tables from Blazing Paddles on ATARI 8-Bit computers.

How can I open an SHP file?

You need a suitable software like 3DS MAX to open an SHP 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 SHP file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SHP file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online SHP Text Viewer

Choose your .shp file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

✈

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 SHP files:

3DS MAX by Autodesk
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SHP files are often referred to as 3DS MAX 3d images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
ArcGIS (shape) by ESRI
ArcGIS is a geospatial/geographic analysis program with capabilities for creating 2D/3D maps, querying/manipulating GIS data, and viewing models generated from such data. ArcGIS shape files containing non-topological geographic elements and their attributes are stored in SHP files. This file format is classified as GIS. Related links: ArcGIS
AutoCAD (shape and text fonts) by Autodesk
AutoCAD is powerful CAD design software that engineers and architects use to create 2D and 3D models for infrastructure such as buildings and bridges. The programs also allows users to animate the models and automate tasks from the same design environment. AutoCAD 2D and 3D shapes files have SHP extension. This file format is classified as 3D Image.
Clarion (ship list) by SoftVelocity
Clarion is a multi-paradigm programming language and database application development environment that employs template driven technology to create database-driven applications. It comes with a C++ compiler and the ship list file used by Windows versions of Clarion have SHP file extension. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Clarion Magazine, Clarion (programming language)
Command & Conquer (game data) by Electronic Arts
Command & Conquer is a series of real-time strategy game developed by Westwood and published by Electronic Arts. The game features an epic struggle between the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and The Brotherhood of NOD. Command & Conquer stores game data in SHP files. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Command & Conquer
PrintMaster (icon libray) by https://www.hmhco.com/
PrintMaster is a multi-platform program for creating greeting cards, brochures, and scrapbooks with ease. The program comes with a lot of predefined clipart and icons out of the box. The icon library is stored in an SHP file. This file format is classified as Vector Image. Related links: PrintMaster

SHP file extension format:

If you know the file format, you can also find out how to open or edit the file. The file format can be deduced from the file extension and the signature. Frequently, however, one file extension is used by different programs for different file formats, and one file format for different file extensions. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Our examination of the SHP files comes to the following conclusion:

The SHP file extension is quite widespread and is mainly used by one program with a specific format. The two most popular formats are as follows:

95% of all SHP files are associated with ArcView Shape. These files contain neither text nor words, but only data. Most of these files are 680 bytes to 46 MB in size. The file type was developed 10 years ago and is still in use today. Such SHP files store data about free, buildings, landuse, boundary, natural, admin, area, waterways, traffic, places and shape.
1% of all SHP files belong to 3D Studio Shape. These files are binary files, so they do not contain text, but only cryptic characters. The file size is in the range of 2.7 KB to 2.7 KB.

All other SHP files (4%) have no uniform format. They are often associated with boundaries, line, export, adminareas, countries, transport, parcels, roads or pofw. Just click the "Choose your .shp file to analyze" button on this page to find out what your SHP file is.

Technical Data for SHP File Extension

File classification:

3D Image

Related files:

shx, cpg, dbf, prj, sbx, sbn, zip, sph, xml, shb, qpj, ship, shf, shapes, hsp, rar, sho, qix, kml, rgs, max, phy, mnm

Related links:

Audodesk 3ds Max

Mime type:

application/octet-stream, application/vnd.dbf, application/vnd.shp

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: AutoCADLTShapeSource, FileType: AutoCAD LT Shape Source, AppName: Notepad
EXEFile: notepad.exe

ProgramID: AutoCADShapeSource, FileType: AutoCAD Shape Source, AppName: Notepad

ProgramID: sleuthpkfile, FileType: The Sleuthhound! Pro Plug-Ins Package

ProgramID: AutoCADShapeSource
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\NOTEPAD.EXE %1

ProgramID: shpfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ESRI\ArcExplorer2.0\arcexplorer.exe %1

ProgramID: wxShape.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SHAPE71\wxShape.exe %1

ProgramID: AutoCADLTShapeSource
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\NOTEPAD.EXE %1

Show all 7 listings To Top

an shp shape is a special file format by Autodesk and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with SHP files

Associate the SHP file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open shapes. Because only the current version supports the latest SHP file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Autodesk manufacturer website after an available 3DS MAX update.
To make sure that your SHP file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .SHP file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.