SHP File

What are SHP files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a SHP 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 SHP files.

What is a SHP file?

SHP files have multiple uses, and AutoCAD Shape is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

AutoCAD Shape

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.

How to open SHP files

We have identified two SHP openers that are compatible with this specific type of SHP file.

Programs that open AutoCAD Shape files

Last updated: January 25, 2025

All known file formats using extension .SHP

While AutoCAD Shape is a popular type of SHP-file, we know of 7 different uses of the .SHP file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

3D Studio Shape

We know that one SHP format is 3D Studio Shape. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different SHP openers which you will find listed below.

ArcView Shape

We know that one SHP format is ArcView Shape. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Darwinia Shape

We know that one SHP format is Darwinia Shape. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Printmaster Shape Bitmap

We know that one SHP format is Printmaster Shape Bitmap. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

SigmaNEST Shape

We know that one SHP format is SigmaNEST Shape. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Steel Panthers Shapes Data

We know that one SHP format is Steel Panthers Shapes Data. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

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.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about SHP file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.