Opening METALINK Files

The METALINK file type is primarily associated with Download manager.

METALINK	File extension: METALINK
	File type:	metadata file

What is a METALINK file

METALINK files mostly belong to Download manager. A METALINK file is an XML file that stores detailed information for file downloads. It contains a list of download URLs, associated checksums, and other metadata that help in managing downloads reliably.
Key details summarized by FilExt.com include:

Format: An XML-based structure with clear tags.

Purpose: Holds download lists and mirror links to ensure that if one source fails, others can complete the transfer.

Usage: Used by download managers such as DownThemAll! (DownThemAll! website) and aria2 (aria2 website).

Function: Enables resumable downloads, integrity verification with checksums, and often supports segmented downloads.

FilExt.com tip: This file can be opened with a text editor to inspect its XML code, though it is meant to be processed by a supporting download manager.

How do you open METALINK files?

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

Online METALINK Text Viewer

Choose your .metalink file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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

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

To do so, click the "Choose your .metalink file to view" button above.
Your METALINK file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
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 METALINK files:

Download manager
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. METALINK files are often referred to as Download manager data files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Metalink (File) by Anthony Bryan
Metalink is an open standard/framework for programs that download. It stores the many locations of files (FTP/HTTP/P2P) in a single file (a .METALINK) so chunks/segments of each file can be downloaded from multiple resources at the same time. The Mime types used with this association are: application/metalink+xml. The identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 3C 3F 78 6D 6C 20, ASCII: .?xml. This file format is classified as XML.

Technical Data for METALINK File Extension

File classification:

Data

Identifier:

Hex: 3C 3F 78 6D 6C 20, ASCII: .?xml (provided by TrID database)

Mime type:

application/metalink+xml

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

How to solve problems with METALINK files

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