H File Extension
C/C++/Objective-C Header Format
- File Type h
- Popularity
- Application C++ Builder
- Category Developer Files
- Format Text
What is a H file?
C/C++/Objective-C Header Format, identified by the H extension, is a Developer Files type and includes 1166 files.
H files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. You can open a H file using one of 18 programs, for example Microsoft Visual Studio, C++ Builder and CodeWarrior Development Studio.
Programs that support H files
Windows
How to open a H file?
The most common reason why a H 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 H files are Microsoft Visual Studio, C++ Builder and CodeWarrior Development Studio. To get the latest version of C++ Builder, open the Embarcadero website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign C++ Builder as the default app for H files.
Make C++ Builder the default H viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your H 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 C++ Builder as the application to associate with your H 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 H 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 C++ Builder. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a H file?
To edit H files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify developer files. Online H editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for C/C++/Objective-C Header Format.
List of Top H editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended H editors.
| H Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe ExtendScript | Adobe | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| Sublime Text | Sublime HQ Pty | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.8 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| C++ Builder | Embarcadero | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| Vim | Bram Moolenaar | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.5 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| Eclipse IDE | Eclipse | Windows | 4.4 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Atom | - | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.3 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Code::Blocks | Code::Blocks | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| CodeWarrior Development Studio | Freescale | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| GNU Emacs | FSF | Linux | 4.3 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Microsoft Visual Studio | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.1 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
Finding answers to H file problems
If you encounter issues with H files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my H file is damaged?
Corrupted H 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 C++ Builder 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 H file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does C++ Builder quit or crash unexpectedly?
C++ Builder crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Embarcadero 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 H file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged H file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged developer files.