FOR File Extension

Fortran 77 Source Format
- File Type for
- Popularity
- Application PSPad
- Category Developer Files
- Format Text
What is a FOR file?
Fortran 77 Source Format, identified by the FOR extension, is a Developer Files type and includes 1166 files.
FOR files are supported by Windows, Linux and Mac OS. You can open a FOR file using one of 3 programs, for example Microsoft Visual Studio, PSPad and Intel Visual Fortran Compiler.
MIME types
- text/x-fortran
- text/plain
Programs that support FOR files
How to open a FOR file?
The most common reason why a FOR 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 FOR files are Microsoft Visual Studio, PSPad and Intel Visual Fortran Compiler. To get the latest version of PSPad, open the Jan Fiala website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign PSPad as the default app for FOR files.
Make PSPad the default FOR viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your FOR file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose PSPad as the application to associate with your FOR file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired FOR file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to PSPad. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a FOR file?
To edit FOR files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify developer files. Online FOR editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Fortran 77 Source Format.
List of Top FOR editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended FOR editors.
| FOR Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSPad | Jan Fiala | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Intel Visual Fortran Compiler | Intel | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Microsoft Visual Studio | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.2 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
Finding answers to FOR file problems
If you encounter issues with FOR files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my FOR file is damaged?
Corrupted FOR developer files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Microsoft Visual Studio;
- Opening or processing the file in PSPad or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the FOR file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does PSPad quit or crash unexpectedly?
PSPad crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Jan Fiala products.
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 methods can be used to repair a damaged FOR file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged FOR file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged developer files.






