Home » GIS Files, T » TFW

Basic information about TFW file

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

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


1.Detail information about TFW file extension: World File for TIFF

File type World File for TIFF Category GIS Files
Developer ESRI File format Text
Description TFW file is a World File for TIFF developed by ESRI. TIFF world file used by GIS applications; contains the location, scale, and rotation of a map that is stored as a TIFF image; often used for saving the world location of an aerial satellite photograph; uses the same format as JPEG World files (.JPW).
Software programs that will open, edit or convert TFW files

Windows		 ESRI ArcReader
ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop
Blue Marble Geographics Global Mapper
D&L OziExplorer
ArcGIS Desktop

Linux		 ESRI ArcReader



Can't open a TFW 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.TFW”。

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 TFW extension without any issue.


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

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

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

If the TFW 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.