COL File - opening and understanding
Did your computer fail to open a COL file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .COL files.
What is a COL file?
Files that contain the .col file extension are most commonly associated with the Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City and San Andreas video games. These files contain collision information for objects that are contained within the associated video game.
The COL files that are used by these video game applications determine the location and the extent of the object damage during a gameplay collision.
The Lotus Notes software application has also been known to use the .col file suffix. Lotus Notes is a collaboration software that was created by the Lotus Development Corp, which was later acquired by IBM. The COL files that are used by this program contain column description files that are referenced by the Lotus Notes software.
How to open COL 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 COL for different purposes.
While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different COL openers which you will find listed below.
Suggest another file format using extension COL
While we know of one file format using the .COL 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 .COL file.
Various viewers for this file format
These apps are known to open certain types of COL files. Remember, different programs may use COL files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | Capture One | User submitted |
 | WinDS PRO Apps | User submitted |
 | ClassicsOnline Download Manager | User submitted |
 | CADSTAR | User submitted |
 | MPEG Audio Collection | User submitted |
| Picture Manager | User submitted |
 | CATT-Acoustic | User submitted |
| CoursePlayer Application | User submitted |
| Matrox Inspector | User submitted |
 | SingularLogic Report Viewer | 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.