DFE File Extension

DFE file icon

RISC OS Comma Separated Value

What is a DFE file?

The DFE extension is related to RISC OS Comma Separated Value and is classified in the Text Files category, which contains 315 files.

The RISC OS Comma Separated Value (DFE) was developed by RISCOS, which created file format and programs to work with them.

DFE files are supported by Linux, Windows and Mac OS. To open a DFE file, you can choose from 5 programs such as Gedit, Ovation Pro and TextEdit.

Programs that support DFE files

How to open a DFE file?

If you cannot open a DFE 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.

Gedit, Ovation Pro and TextEdit stand out as the preferred programs to manage DFE files effectively. To install the current version of Ovation Pro, go directly to the official David Pilling website. The universal package for all operating systems is available there.

After successful installation, your operating system should seamlessly handle DFE files via Ovation Pro.

Set Ovation Pro as the default DFE program

Change Default Program on Mac

  1. Right click or Control + left click on the desired DFE file;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. Go to the lower section of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. By default, it is set to "Recommended Programs";
  4. Select "All Programs" from this menu and proceed to search for Ovation Pro. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.

Set default programs for Windows

  1. Start by right-clicking on your DFE file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
  2. In the pop-up window, select the Ovation Pro application;
  3. Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening DFE files.

Solve problems with DFE files

DFE files may present some challenges, but most can be easily addressed with minor software tweaks. See the troubleshooting tips below for guidance.

What are the ways to check if my DFE file is damaged?

DFE text files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:

  • The file does not respond or shows errors when opening it;
  • The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Notepad++;
  • The file stops responding or freezes in Ovation Pro or other programs;
  • Unexplained DFE file size inflation;
  • Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;

Why does Ovation Pro crash or shut down frequently?

Insufficient updates for David Pilling products can cause Ovation Pro to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.

Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.

Is there any specific software or utility that can help repair a damaged DFE file?

Use a recovery program to open the damaged DFE file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged text files.

How to edit a DFE file?

To make changes to DFE files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the text files. Online DFE editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for RISC OS Comma Separated Value.

Best DFE Editor Software in 2026

With the mentioned criteria in mind, we have assembled a selection of DFE editors.

DFE Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
TextEditAppleMac OS4.8 out of 5 (40 reviews)
GeditGNOMELinux4.6 out of 5 (38 reviews)
Notepad++Notepad++ TeamWindows4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews)
Ovation ProDavid PillingWindows4.3 out of 5 (44 reviews)
Windows NotepadMicrosoftWindows4.2 out of 5 (37 reviews)