BSB File Extension
MapInfo Sea Chart Format
What is a BSB file?
The BSB extension is related to MapInfo Sea Chart Format and is classified in the GIS Files category, which contains 247 files.
BSB files are supported by Windows. When working with BSB files, you can rely on 2 programs, including MapInfo and MAPC2MAPC.
How to open a BSB file?
If you can’t open a BSB file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
MapInfo and MAPC2MAPC stand out as the preferred programs to manage BSB files effectively. To get the latest version of MapInfo, open the PBS website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
When you finish installing MapInfo, the system will automatically launch BSB files with it.
Set MapInfo to open BSB by default
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired BSB file to access the file’s context menu;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for MapInfo. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Set default programs for Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your BSB file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- Find the MapInfo application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
- Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening BSB files.
Convert files to and from BSB
If a BSB file is difficult to handle, you might try converting it to formats such as MID, KAP or similar, which may be easier to work with.
Be aware that converting a BSB file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.
Convert BSB to other file formats
Converting Files to BSB Format
Easy BSB Troubleshooting
When facing challenges with BSB files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.
How do I know if my BSB file has been damaged?
BSB gis files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in MapInfo;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained BSB file size inflation;
- MapInfo or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
Why does MapInfo quit or crash unexpectedly?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind MapInfo crash. Keep your PBS products up to date by installing the latest updates.
Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged BSB file?
In a data recovery program, open the damaged BSB file and select the "Repair" menu option. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged gis files.
How to edit a BSB file?
To make changes to BSB files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the gis files. Online BSB editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for MapInfo Sea Chart Format.
Best BSB Editor Software in 2026
After analyzing the criteria, we have created a list of BSB editors available for use.
| BSB Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| MapInfo | PBS | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (39 reviews) |