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Basic information about WAD file

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

There are 5 file types using the WAD file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the WAD file with their brief description and a list of programs that support WAD file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the WAD file extension. It answers questions such as:

What is the WAD file?
How to open a WAD file?
What programs do I need to open a WAD file?
What programs help to create and edit a WAD file?
How to convert WAD files to another file format?
How to convert another files to WAD file format?

1.Detail information about WAD file extension: Doom WAD File

Software programs that will open, edit or convert WAD files
File type	Doom WAD File	Category	Game Files
Developer	id Software	File format	Binary
Description	WAD file is a Doom WAD File developed by id Software. Game data file used by Doom and Doom II, as well as other first-person shooter games that use the original Doom engine; contains data such as sprites (graphics), level information, and items; used for storing original game content as well as game modifications.
Windows	id Software Doom id Software Doom 2 Doom Builder Slade eXtendable WAD Editor New WAD Tool WadAuthor DeuTex Wally

2.Detail information about WAD file extension: Nintendo Wii Game Data File

Software programs that will open, edit or convert WAD files
File type	Nintendo Wii Game Data File	Category	Game Files
Developer	Nintendo	File format	Binary
Description	WAD file is a Nintendo Wii Game Data File developed by Nintendo.
Windows	Dolphin Wad Studio
macOS	Dolphin
Linux	Dolphin

3.Detail information about WAD file extension: Quake Engine Texture File

Software programs that will open, edit or convert WAD files
File type	Quake Engine Texture File	Category	Compressed Files
Developer	N/A	File format	N/A
Description	WAD file is a Quake Engine Texture File.
Windows	Dragon UnPACKer Quake 2 Gunman Chronicles Half-Life Heretic 2 HeXen 2

4.Detail information about WAD file extension: WAD Manager Wii Channel Archive File

Software programs that will open, edit or convert WAD files
File type	WAD Manager Wii Channel Archive File	Category	Compressed Files
Developer	N/A	File format	N/A
Description	WAD file is a WAD Manager Wii Channel Archive File.
Windows	WAD Manager

5.Detail information about WAD file extension: Theme Park World Game Archive

Software programs that will open, edit or convert WAD files
File type	Theme Park World Game Archive	Category	Game Files
Developer	N/A	File format	N/A
Description	WAD file is a Theme Park World Game Archive.
Windows	Dragon UnPACKer Theme Park World

Can't open a WAD 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.WAD”。

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 WAD extension without any issue.

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

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

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

If the WAD 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.