FASTA File Extension

Programs that support FASTA files

• Windows ⁸

Windows

• ChromasPro
• MultiFASTA Builder
• OpenBio
• ABI to FASTA converter
• Convertrix
• DNA Baser Sequence Aligner
• Tablet
• GenBank to FASTA converter

How to open a FASTA file?

The most common reason why a FASTA file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.

The most popular programs for working with FASTA files are ChromasPro, MultiFASTA Builder and OpenBio. To install the latest version of ChromasPro on your computer, visit the Technelysium website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

Following installation, FASTA files should be automatically opened with ChromasPro.

Set ChromasPro to open FASTA by default

Changing the default program in Windows

1. Start by right-clicking on your FASTA file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
2. Find the ChromasPro application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
3. Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening FASTA files.

Change default apps on Mac

1. Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired FASTA file to access the file’s context menu;
2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
3. Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
4. Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to ChromasPro. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.

Convert to and from FASTA

If you have trouble working with a FASTA file, try converting it to SCF, FA, AB1 or similar data files.

Please note that after converting a FASTA file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.

Using offline applications such as Convertrix and DNA Baser Sequence Aligner, you can convert FASTA files to various formats without losing data quality.

Convert FASTA to other file formats

• FASTA to SCF
• FASTA to AB1
• FASTA to FA

Converting Files to FASTA Format

• AB1 to FASTA
• GB to FASTA
• FASTQ to FASTA
• SCF to FASTA

Easy FASTA Troubleshooting

When issues arise with FASTA files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.

How to edit a FASTA file?

To edit FASTA files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify data files. Online FASTA editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for FASTA Sequence Format.

List of Top FASTA editors 2026

Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of FASTA editors that match your needs.