Opening an ARE File

The ARE file type is primarily associated with OfflineMaps.

ARE	File extension: ARE
	File type:	data file

What is an ARE file?

ARE files mostly belong to OfflineMaps. ARE files are specialized container files that hold area data used primarily by offline mapping software. They store spatial information defining map regions and are not meant to be read with a standard text editor.
These files serve two main purposes:

Offline Maps: They contain map area details for applications like OfflineMaps and AlpineQuest. For more information, visit OfflineMaps or AlpineQuest.

Game Level Design: Some ARE files are used by video games, such as those from Neverwinter Nights and The Witcher 3, to store level geometry and layout data. Tools like AresEdit are employed to modify these game maps.

FilExt.com note: The internal structure of a ARE file varies with its use. Each version is crafted to meet the distinct needs of either geographic mapping or game development, which means the method to open and edit them differs depending on the source application.

How can I open an ARE file?

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

Online ARE Text Viewer

Choose your .are file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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ARE file extension format:

To view or edit ARE files you need to know the file format, because it determines how the data in this file is stored. The initial characters of a file are called signature, sometimes also referred to as "magic bytes". The signature can be used to infer the file format. If the file extension does not match the file format, double-clicking on the file will cause an error upon opening. Knowledge is power - this also applies when dealing with unknown or faulty files. Below you will find our evaluation of the ARE files:

The ARE file type includes different formats for different programs. But the following two file formats are common:

• 55% of all ARE files are associated with AlpineQuest/OfflineMaps landmark. The contents of these files cannot be read by a human; only a computer program can interpret the data. The files are 250 bytes to 1 KB in size, with a median of 370 bytes. The file type was created recently. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as creator_url, name, OfflineMaps 3, https://www.offline-maps.net, alpinequest, creator_orig and color. Such ARE files store data about lokasi, finca and luasan.
• 10% of all ARE files start with the bytes 00 00 00 02 00 00 00 1C, which are crucial for 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 370 bytes in size and range from 250 bytes to 1 KB. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as creator, creator_url, name, OfflineMaps, color, https://www.offline-maps.net, AlpineQuest 2 and https://www.alpinequest.net.

The remaining 35% of all ARE files are different files with different signatures, often e.g. Infinity Engine area description and qmd. Files like these are sometimes linked to area or lahan. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your ARE file!