NB File Extension
Mathematica Notebook
- File Type nb
- Developer Wolfram Research
- Popularity
- Application Mathematica
- Category Document Files
- Format Text
What is a NB file?
The NB extension is related to Mathematica Notebook and is classified in the Document Files category, which contains 969 files.
Wolfram Research, the developer of the Mathematica Notebook (NB), has released file format and 2 programs designed to handle them.
NB file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows. There are 2 programs available to open a NB file, including popular tools like Mathematica and Wolfram CDF Player.
File Signature
HEX code: 28 2A. ASCII code: (*.
How to open a NB file?
If you are having trouble opening a NB file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.
Thanks to their popularity, Mathematica and Wolfram CDF Player are often the go-to programs for managing NB files. If you want the most recent release of Mathematica, head over to the Wolfram Research site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.
After completing the installation, NB files should be recognized by the system and linked to Mathematica.
Set Mathematica as your default NB viewer
Set default app to open files on Mac
- Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired NB file to open a menu of available actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
- Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for Mathematica. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Change a default app in Windows
- To get started, right-click your NB file, then choose "Open With" and select "Choose Another Application" from the context menu;
- From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Mathematica as your desired application;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening NB files.
Solving Common NB File Challenges
While NB files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.
What Causes Mathematica to Crash Frequently?
Insufficient software updates are a likely cause of Mathematica crashes. Be sure to install the latest updates for Wolfram Research products.
A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.
How can I restore a damaged NB file?
Start a data recovery program and open the damaged NB file. Then, choose the "Repair" option from the menu. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged document files.
How can I determine if my NB file is damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted NB document files can include:
- Mathematica or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
- Error notifications appear during file manipulation;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained NB file size inflation;
- Editing the archive in Mathematica is hampered by poor overall performance;
How to edit a NB file?
To modify NB files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit document files. Online NB editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Mathematica Notebook.
Best NB Editor Software in 2026
Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of NB editors currently available.
| NB Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematica | Wolfram Research | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
Convert files to and from NB
If working with a NB file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like PDF, JP2 or other supported formats.
After converting a NB file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.