ASCII File Extension
ASCII Text Format
- File Type ascii
- Popularity
- Application Sublime Text
- Category Text Files
- Format Text
What is a ASCII file?
ASCII Text Format, identified by the ASCII extension, is a Text Files type and includes 315 files.
ASCII file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to open a ASCII file, you can use one of 15 programs, such as Sublime Text, GetDiz and Atom.
Programs that support ASCII files
How to open a ASCII file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a ASCII file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
When it comes to opening and working with ASCII files, Sublime Text, GetDiz and Atom are the top choices for users. If you want the most recent release of Sublime Text, head over to the Sublime HQ Pty site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.
Once the process is complete, Sublime Text should take over as the default application for ASCII files.
Set Sublime Text as the default ASCII application
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right-click your ASCII file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- From the options listed in the pop-up window, specifically choose Sublime Text as the application to handle your ASCII file;
- Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK" to save your preference.
Change the default app that opens a file on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired ASCII file to open a menu where you can choose from multiple actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
- Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for Sublime Text. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Troubleshooting guide for ASCII file complications
Rest assured, any issues with ASCII files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.
What Causes Sublime Text to Crash Frequently?
Sublime Text crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Sublime HQ Pty products.
Restarting your computer is a crucial troubleshooting measure that can alleviate numerous common problems. Therefore, it is advisable to restart your computer before modifying any settings related to the software.
How can I restore a damaged ASCII file?
Open the damaged ASCII file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged text files.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt ASCII file?
Common indications of damaged ASCII text files are:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the ASCII file;
- Opening the file in Sublime Text or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- While working with the file, error messages appear;
- Editing the archive in Sublime Text results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
How to edit a ASCII file?
To edit ASCII files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the text files. Online ASCII editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for ASCII Text Format.
List of Top ASCII editors 2026
Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of ASCII editors you can use.
| ASCII Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| GetDiz | Outertech | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
| Notepad++ | Notepad++ Team | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| Sublime Text | Sublime HQ Pty | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.9 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
| Atom | - | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.5 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Windows Notepad | Microsoft | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (41 review) |
| DAMN NFO Viewer | Damn | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| ImageJ | Wayne Rasband | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.3 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Gedit | GNOME | Linux | 4.2 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| PSPad | Jan Fiala | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
Convert to and from ASCII
If working with a ASCII file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like JPG, JPEG, PNG, PDF, BMP or other supported formats.
Keep in mind that converting a ASCII file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Offline software, including ABC Amber Text Converter, allows smooth conversion of ASCII files while preserving original quality.