MSV File

What are MSV files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a MSV file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your MSV files.

What is a MSV file?

A .MSV file is a WebLab Viewer Molecule file.

WebLab Viewer Molecule files (.msv) are used by WebLab Viewer (and its ViewerLite/Pro variants) from Molecular Simulations Inc. as native structure files for molecular graphics. They store three-dimensional molecular or crystal coordinate data along with display settings so that users can save, exchange, and reopen visualized models exactly as viewed.

Files in this format are produced when a user builds or imports a molecule or crystal structure (for example from a PDB, MOL, or other supported format) into WebLab Viewer, styles it (e.g. colors, bonds, ribbons), and then saves the workspace or model in WebLab's proprietary format. Other users opening the .msv file in WebLab Viewer can see all atoms, labels, bonds, surfaces, and visual annotations preserved.

Technically, .msv is a binary format based on the OLE2 Compound File Binary framework. Its header begins with the OLE magic bytes D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1. Deeper inside, at offsets such as 1536 and 1664 it contains UTF-16LE strings like "Root Entry" and "Contents". Embedded keywords include "WEBLAB VIEWER VERSION", "XXMOLECULE", "XXTREEROOT", "COBARRAY", "XXATOM3D", identifying structures like atoms, molecule trees, coordinate arrays, etc.

How to open MSV files

We have identified one MSV opener that is compatible with this specific type of MSV file.

Programs that open WebLab Viewer Molecule files

Last updated: August 10, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of MSV files. Remember, different programs may use MSV files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

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