ANI File - opening and understanding
Did your computer fail to open an ANI file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .ANI files.
What is an ANI file?
Files with the .ani file extension contain animated cursors that are used with Microsoft Windows.
The ANI file contains the images that make up the animated mouse pointer (cursor). The .ani file extension is used for default Windows cursors, but files with the .ani file extension may also contain custom cursors designed by professional or hobby designers.
ANI files are often included with custom Windows desktop themes that users download to customize the "look and feel" of their Windows desktop. For example, a "race car" theme may include an ANI cursor that looks like a race car instead of the standard Windows arrow icon.
How to open ANI files
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with file extension ANI for different purposes.
While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different ANI openers which you will find listed below.
Suggest another file format using extension ANI
While we know of one file format using the .ANI file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .ANI file.
Various viewers for this file format
These apps are known to open certain types of ANI files. Remember, different programs may use ANI files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | Free File Viewer | User submitted |
 | IrfanView | User submitted |
 | Ashampoo Photo Commander | User submitted |
 | IcoFX | User submitted |
 | Imagine | User submitted |
 | ALLPlayer | User submitted |
 | John Paul Chacha's Chasys Draw IES | User submitted |
 | IconLover | User submitted |
 | Ashampoo Photo Commander FREE | User submitted |
 | Animator | User submitted |
Not sure exactly what type of file you are trying to open? Try our new File Analyzer. It is a free tool that can identify more than 11,000 different kinds of files - most likely yours too! It will help you find software that can handle your specific type of file. Download File Analyzer here.