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Basic information about OSM file

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

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


1.Detail information about OSM file extension: OpenStreetMap Map File

File type OpenStreetMap Map File Category GIS Files
Developer OpenStreetMap File format XML
Description OSM file is a OpenStreetMap Map File developed by OpenStreetMap. An OSM file contains street map information in the OpenStreetMap (OSM) format. It saves XML-formatted data in the form of "nodes" (points), "ways" (connections), and "relations" (street and object properties, such as tags).
Software programs that will open, edit or convert OSM files

Windows		 Safe Software FME Desktop
Merkaartor
GeoVisu
Gosmore

macOS		 Merkaartor

Linux		 Merkaartor
GPX Viewer



How to convert another files to OSM file format?

There are 1 records in our database eligible for another files to OSM file format conversion. If you want to achieve another files to OSM conversion, you may use the option.

GML to OSM


Can't open a OSM 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.OSM”。

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 OSM extension without any issue.


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

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

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

If the OSM 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.