Opening a LIN File

The LIN file type is primarily associated with AutoCAD.

LIN	File extension: LIN
	File type:	line type definition

What is a LIN file?

LIN files mostly belong to AutoCAD by Autodesk. A LIN file contains line type definitions for vector graphics objects created with AutoCAD design software. Another type of LIN file is a Linux/BSD/Solaris executable binary saved in Executable and Linkable Format (ELF). LIN is also the filename extension of a pointfile containing information about leaks in a Valve Map Format (VMF) file compiled with VBSP map compiler within Hammer Editor. This file is only generated for a map (VMF file) containing leaks. X-Plane flight simulation software uses a LIN file to store a definition (texture, size, and direction) of taxiway markings on a runway or tarmac.

How to open LIN files

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

Online LIN Text Viewer

Choose your .lin 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 LIN files:

AutoCAD by Autodesk
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. LIN files are often referred to as AutoCAD cads because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
ArcGIS (line set symbol) by ESRI
ArcGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) software suite with geospatial data visualization and analysis tools. It uses a LIN file to store a line set symbol. This file format is classified as Data.
Bridge Base Online (played hands metadata) by Bridge Base Online
Bridge Base Online is a multiplayer bridge card game client application available as a Windows program and a web app. It uses a LIN file to store metadata about the sequence of hands already played in a game. This file format is classified as Game.
Linux (executable binary) by Linus Torvalds & Linux Contributors
Linux (also called GNU/Linux) is an open source operating system for desktop, server, mobile, and IoT platforms. You can execute a LIN file containing an executable binary in a Linux environment. This file format is classified as Executable. Related links: Executable and Linkable Format
Medlin Accounting (current period invoice details) by Medlin
Medlin Accounting is a business accounting and finance management software. It uses a LIN file to store current period invoice details. This file format is classified as Data.
VAX (program list) by DEC
VAX (Virtual Address eXtension) is an operating system designed for mid-range server and mini computers. A list of programs installed on a VAX PC is saved in a LIN file. This file format is classified as Data.

LIN file format:

Every file has a defined file format, i.e. how the data is arranged in the file. Each file format has a unique extension and almost always a unique signature. For example, Microsoft Word documents have the extension .docx and the signature (usually the first 3 characters in this file) PK. File extension, signature and file format must match; otherwise errors will occur when the file is opened. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Our evaluation of the LIN files is as follows:

LIN is not that commonly used as a file extension. This file type includes a lot of different file formats for different programs. The following file formats are most commonly found in LIN files:

15% of all LIN files start with the magic bytes 02 00 00 00, which are always the first bytes of this file format. The contents of these files cannot be read by a human; only a computer program can interpret the data. The files are on average 1 KB in size and range from 310 bytes to 20 KB. Some examples of file names are e00_000_000.lin.
8% of all LIN files have the same signature pn|. The content consists of readable text data, which can be read using a text editor. LIN files can be up to 600 bytes in size, but are often around 460 bytes - 560 bytes. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as Board 1.

All other LIN files (77%) have different formats, the following 7 formats can be found: Electronic Arts interactive sequence. Files like these are sometimes linked to acad, restore or backup. Just click the "Choose your .lin file to analyze" button on this page to find out what your LIN file is.

Technical Data for LIN File Extension

File classification:

CAD

Related files:

ev8, pom, env, ldf, shx, bnd, dbt, online, ems, btx, txt, exe, ad1, zip, svs, cgm, sv

Mime type:

application/x-autocad

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: AutoCADLinetypeDefinition, FileType: AutoCAD Linetype Definition, AppName: Notepad

ProgramID: AutoCADLTLinetypeDefinition, FileType: AutoCAD LT Linetype Definition, AppName: Notepad
EXEFile: notepad.exe

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

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

ProgramID: BridgeVu
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Bridge Base Online\NetBridgeVu.exe

ProgramID: Qmwin.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\QMWIN\Qmwin.exe

ProgramID: dswin.document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\DSwin32\Dswin32.exe

Show all 7 listings To Top

a lin line type definition is a special file format by Autodesk and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with LIN files

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