Basic information about NIB file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension NIB（*.NIB or *.nib）, 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 NIB file yourself.

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


1.Detail information about NIB file extension: Interface Builder User Interface File

File type Interface Builder User Interface File Category Developer Files
Developer Apple File format Binary
Description NIB file is a Interface Builder User Interface File developed by Apple. File created by Interface Builder, a software development program (included with Apple Xcode) used for building user interfaces for Mac OS X applications; saves a user interface component such as a window or a view as well as the text fields, buttons, and other interactive components.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert NIB files

macOS		 Apple Xcode
Apple Interface Builder



Can't open a NIB 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.NIB”。

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 NIB extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support NIB 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 NIB 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 NIB file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a NIB 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 NIB file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

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

If the NIB 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.