OVF File Extension
Open Virtualization Format
- File Type ovf
- Developer VMware
- Popularity
- Application VirtualBox
- Category Virtual Machine Files
- Format Binary
What is a OVF file?
The OVF file extension is linked to Open Virtualization Format and belongs to the Virtual Machine Files category, which includes 56 files.
The Open Virtualization Format (OVF), created by VMware, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 9 programs to support them.
OVF files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. When working with OVF files, you can rely on 6 programs, including VirtualBox, VMware Player and VMware Workstation.
Programs that support OVF files
How to open a OVF file?
If you can’t open a OVF file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
The most popular programs for working with OVF files are VirtualBox, VMware Player and VMware Workstation. To install the latest version of VirtualBox on your computer, visit the Oracle website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
Once installed, VirtualBox will be set as the default program, and OVF files will open automatically.
Make VirtualBox the default OVF viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Right-click on your OVF file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose VirtualBox as the application to associate with your OVF 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 OVF file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, where "Recommended Programs" is already selected by default;
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then locate VirtualBox. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.
Convert to and from OVF
If you have trouble working with a OVF file, try converting it to VHD, VMDK, OVA, DSK or similar virtual machine files.
Please note that after converting a OVF file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Offline software like XenConvert allows you to convert OVF files to other formats while maintaining quality.
Convert OVF to other file formats
Converting Files to OVF Format
Finding answers to OVF file problems
Certain problems with OVF files can be conveniently fixed with small software tweaks. Here are some helpful tips to address them.
What are the warning signs that my OVF file may be corrupted?
Corrupted OVF virtual machine files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
- Poor performance when editing a file in VirtualBox;
- The file does not open or opens with errors;
- Unexplained increase in OVF file size;
- File hangs or crashes in VirtualBox or other programs;
Why does VirtualBox crash?
VirtualBox crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your Oracle products up to date by installing the latest updates.
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.
How to repair a corrupted OVF file?
Use a data recovery program to open the damaged OVF file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted virtual machine files.
How to edit a OVF file?
To edit OVF files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify virtual machine files. Online OVF editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Open Virtualization Format.
Best OVF editors in 2026
Considering the mentioned criteria, we have compiled a list of OVF editors that may suit your needs.
| OVF Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| VirtualBox | Oracle | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| VMware vSphere | VMware | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (40 reviews) |