Opening a BUFR File

The BUFR file type is primarily associated with bufr_decoder.

BUFRFile Extension BUFR
File extension: BUFR
File type:  binary encoded file

What is a BUFR file

BUFR files mostly belong to bufr_decoder. BUFR files are binary files that use the Binary Universal Form for Representation to store meteorological data.
They organize weather observations in a structured binary format that is not human readable.
Key details provided by FilExt.com:
  • They hold weather data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other parameters.
  • The format relies on descriptor tables to map numerical codes to real-world measurements.
  • Specialized decoding tools like bufr_decoder, bufr_dump, and BUFRDC are required to interpret the data.
  • This file structure is widely used by weather agencies for efficient data transmission and storage.
    FilExt.com note: Few realize that any change in the descriptor tables may impact how the data is decoded.

    How do you open BUFR files?

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

    Online BUFR Text Viewer

    Choose your .bufr file to analyze

    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 BUFR files:

    1. bufr_decoder
      See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. BUFR files are often referred to as bufr_decoder encodeds because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
    2. Binary Universal Form for the Representation
    3. Meteorological Data

    Technical Data for BUFR File Extension

    File classification:
    Encoded
    Related files:
    grib, grib2, nc, hdf, bufr_d, bufr4, bin, bfr, txt, dat

    a bufr binary encoded file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

    How to solve problems with BUFR files

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