AB2 File Extension
Print Shop Address Book Format
- File Type ab2
- Developer Broderbund
- Popularity
- Application Print Shop
- Category Data Files
- Format Binary
What is a AB2 file?
Files with the AB2 extension are specifically tied to Print Shop Address Book Format, a Data Files type, and there are 6196 files in this category.
The Print Shop Address Book Format (AB2) was developed by Broderbund, which created file format and 8 programs to work with them.
AB2 file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows. To open a AB2 file, you can choose from 2 programs such as Print Shop and Print Shop Design Suite.
How to open a AB2 file?
If you cannot open a AB2 file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
Thanks to their popularity, Print Shop and Print Shop Design Suite are often the go-to programs for managing AB2 files. If you need the newest version of Print Shop, just access the Broderbund website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
Once Print Shop is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening AB2 files.
Make Print Shop the default AB2 viewer
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired AB2 file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for Print Shop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.
Change a default app in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your AB2 file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Print Shop as the application to associate with your AB2 file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Finding answers to AB2 file problems
If AB2 files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.
What can lead to sudden Print Shop crashes?
Insufficient updates for Broderbund products can cause Print Shop to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged AB2 file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged AB2 file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged data files.
What are the ways to check if my AB2 file is damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted AB2 data files can include:
- The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
- Editing the archive in Print Shop is hampered by poor overall performance;
- The file causes Print Shop or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
- An unexplained increase in the size of the AB2 file;
- Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;
How to edit a AB2 file?
To modify AB2 files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit data files. Online AB2 editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Print Shop Address Book Format.
Best AB2 editors 2026
According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available AB2 editors.
| AB2 Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Shop | Broderbund | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| Print Shop Design Suite | Broderbund | Windows | 4.1 out of 5 (40 reviews) |