SMI File Extension

SMI file icon

SMIL Presentation

What is a SMI file?

The SMI file extension is linked to SMIL Presentation and belongs to the Text Files category, which includes 315 files.

The SMIL Presentation (SMI), created by Apple, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 72 programs to support them.

SMI files are supported by Windows, Linux and Mac OS. When working with SMI files, you can rely on 10 programs, including Windows Media, VLC media player and GOM Media Player.

How to open a SMI file?

If you can’t open a SMI 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 SMI files are Windows Media, VLC media player and GOM Media Player. To install the current version of Windows Media, go directly to the official Microsoft website. The universal package for all operating systems is available there.

Once installed, Windows Media will be set as the default program, and SMI files will open automatically.

Make Windows Media the default SMI viewer

Changing the default program in Windows

  1. Right-click on your SMI file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
  2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Windows Media as the application to associate with your SMI file;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

Change the default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired SMI file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. At the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, where "Recommended Programs" is already selected by default;
  4. Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then locate Windows Media. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.

Convert to and from SMI

For difficult SMI files, try converting them to formats like SUB, SSA, SR or similar formats to improve usability.

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

Offline software like URUworks Subtitle Workshop allows you to convert SMI files to other formats while maintaining quality.

Convert SMI to other file formats

Converting Files to SMI Format

Finding answers to SMI file problems

Certain problems with SMI files can be conveniently fixed with small software tweaks. Here are some helpful tips to address them.

What are the warning signs that my SMI file may be corrupted?

Corrupted SMI text files may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
  • Attempts to open the file result in errors or failed results;
  • Unexplained increase in SMI file size;
  • The file causes Windows Media or other programs to hang or crash during operation;

Why does Windows Media crash or shut down frequently?

Windows Media crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your Microsoft 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.

Is there any specific software or utility that can help repair a damaged SMI file?

Use a data recovery program to open the damaged SMI file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Please be patient while the recovery process completes, which will automatically restore the damaged text files.