SHP File
Did your computer fail to open a SHP file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .SHP files.
What is a SHP file?
A .SHP file is an AutoCAD Shape file. The .shp file extension is used for a proprietary data file format, which Autodesk created for one of their CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs. Also known as AutoCAD shape files and AutoCAD source files, these SHP files contain geometry formatting attributes that are used for visual objects in AutoCAD projects and other compatible CAD programs.
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How to open SHP files
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with extension SHP for different purposes. We have identified 1 SHP opener for Windows that is compatible with this specific type of SHP file.
Programs that open SHP files
 | AutoCAD | Verified |
What else are .SHP files used for?
While AutoCAD Shape is a popular type of SHP-file, we know of 5 different uses of the .SHP extension.
The SHP file extension indicates to your device which app can open the file. However, different apps may use the same file extension for different types of data. So a SHP opener may not be able to open all kinds of SHP files. In this case, look through all formats to make sure you find the best suited SHP viewer.
3D Studio Shape
Through our analysis of SHP files, we know that one use of the format is 3D Studio Shape. We have not yet described in detail what these files contain and what they are used for, but our team is working tiredlessly through thousands of file formats. We'd love hearing from you if you have information about the format.
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ArcView Shape
Through our analysis of SHP files, we know that one use of the format is ArcView Shape. We have not yet described in detail what these files contain and what they are used for, but our team is working tiredlessly through thousands of file formats. We'd love hearing from you if you have information about the format.
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Printmaster Shape bitmap
Through our analysis of SHP files, we know that one use of the format is Printmaster Shape bitmap. We have not yet described in detail what these files contain and what they are used for, but our team is working tiredlessly through thousands of file formats. We'd love hearing from you if you have information about the format.
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SigmaNEST Shape
Through our analysis of SHP files, we know that one use of the format is SigmaNEST Shape. We have not yet described in detail what these files contain and what they are used for, but our team is working tiredlessly through thousands of file formats. We'd love hearing from you if you have information about the format.
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Various SHP file openers, viewers, etc.
These apps are known to open certain types of SHP files. Remember, different programs may use SHP files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | Microsoft Office | User submitted |
 | ESRI ArcExplorer | User submitted |
 | FalconView | User submitted |
 | AVS Slideshow Maker | User submitted |
 | ArcGIS | User submitted |
| Battleships Forever | User submitted |
 | Direct Show Ogg Vorbis Filter | User submitted |
 | TatukGIS Viewer | User submitted |
| DesignaKnit | User submitted |
| Intel Dynamic Power Performance Management | 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.