Opening VRT Files

The VRT file type is primarily associated with GDAL.

VRTFile Extension VRT
File extension: VRT
File type:  Virtual Format

What is a VRT file?

VRT files mostly belong to GDAL by GDAL Developers. A VRT file is a 3D virtual world saved in the OGR Virtual Format used by the GDAL translator library for geospatial raster and vector datasets. Such a 3D virtual world is saved as a raster or vector dataset. A VRT file saved as a vector dataset is written in Extensible Markup Language (XML). It contains a collection of textures, sources, mappings, and layers which makeup a virtual scene. Another type of VRT file is a profile definition used by Civil 3D civil structure design and documentation software.

How to open VRT files

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

Online VRT Text Viewer

Choose your .vrt file to view

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

You can extract texts from VRT file or capture a preview screenshot using our online VRT file viewer:
  1. To do so, click the "Choose your .vrt file to view" button above.
  2. After your file is opened in browser,
  3. click "Save as..." in the menu.
  4. Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
  5. Your file will be converted and downloaded.

Programs that open and convert VRT files:

  1. GDAL by GDAL Developers
    See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. VRT files are often referred to as GDAL web (source)s because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
  2. 7-Zip (compressed data) by Igor Pavlov
    7-Zip is a cross-platform data compression and encryption program. It can open and unpack a VRT file saved in ZIP archive compression format. This file format is classified as Compressed. Related links: ZIP (file format)
  3. SQLite (database) by SQLite Consortium
    SQLite is a cross-platform C language library which serves as a relational database management system. It can access and modify a VRT file saved in SQLite 3 database format. This file format is classified as Database. Related links: SQLite, SQLite, Version 3

VRT file format:

Why is it important to know the file format? This is the only way to find out which program to use to open the file. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). If the file extension or signature does not match the file format, errors will occur when opening or editing the file. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Our evaluation of the VRT files is as follows:

VRT is one of the most common file extensions and mainly uses a special format. The two most popular formats are as follows:

All other VRT files (13%) have no consistent format, such as ZIP. Files like these are sometimes linked to gregorys, quickmap, template, depth, tiles or well. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your VRT file!

Technical Data for VRT File Extension

File classification:
Web (source)
Related files:
gri, grd, vrz, rvt, zip, vtt, vrtp, mmi, ovr, vtr, tif, xml, txt, srt, vtf, grid, cel, pdf, pyd, csv, geojson

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: wrifile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Windows NT\Accessories\WORDPAD.EXE %1


a vrt Virtual Format is a special file format by GDAL Developers and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with VRT files

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