All about BNF Files

The BNF file type is primarily associated with BookDesigner/Nuance Dragon.

BNF	File extension: BNF
	File type:	definition file

What is a BNF file?

BNF files mostly belong to BookDesigner/Nuance Dragon. BNF files can have two main purposes. One kind holds a binary book code used in specialized desktop publishing by BookDesigner. The other kind contains language definitions written in Backus-Naur Form (BNF), a notation for describing syntax in computer languages.
Consider these details:

If your file shows a series of production rules in clear text, it is likely a grammar file for language or speech processing. In this case, a simple text editor or a tool like Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking may work.

If the file is binary, it probably encodes book layout instructions. Such files need the proprietary software from BookDesigner.

FilExt.com tips: This distinction is key. Check if the file opens as plain text or not. That will tell you which purpose it serves.

How can I open a BNF file?

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

Online BNF Text Viewer

Choose your .bnf file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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

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

Just click the "Choose your .bnf file to view" button on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Your file will be converted and downloaded.

Programs that open and convert BNF files:

BookDesigner/Nuance Dragon
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. BNF files are often referred to as BookDesigner/Nuance Dragon developers because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
IBM Voice Type Languages Map File

Technical Data for BNF File Extension

File classification:

Developer

Related files:

ebnf, gram, yacc, nbf, inf, bin, zip, bnl, xml, pdf, jgw, pgw, 18i, cfg, txt, json

Mime type:

text/x-bnf

a bnf definition file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with BNF files

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