Home » Developer Files, A » ADDIN

Basic information about ADDIN file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension ADDIN（*.ADDIN or *.addin）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the ADDIN file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the ADDIN file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the ADDIN file with their brief description and a list of programs that support ADDIN file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the ADDIN file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the ADDIN file?
  • How to open a ADDIN file?
  • What programs do I need to open a ADDIN file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a ADDIN file?
  • How to convert ADDIN files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to ADDIN file format?


1.Detail information about ADDIN file extension: Visual Studio Add-in Definition File

File type Visual Studio Add-in Definition File Category Developer Files
Developer Microsoft File format XML
Description ADDIN file is a Visual Studio Add-in Definition File developed by Microsoft. Add-in definition file created by Microsoft Visual Studio, a Windows software development IDE; generated automatically when a new add-in project is created using the Add-In Wizard; contains data used to display the add-in information when using Visual Studio's Add-In Manager component.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert ADDIN files

Windows		 Microsoft Visual Studio 2017



Can't open a ADDIN file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.ADDIN”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the ADDIN extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support ADDIN file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of ADDIN files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a ADDIN file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a ADDIN file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a ADDIN file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the ADDIN file is damaged.
  • Whether the ADDIN file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the ADDIN file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the ADDIN file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the ADDIN file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a ADDIN file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a ADDIN file.

If the ADDIN file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.