VID File Extension

VID file icon

Generic Video Format

What is a VID file?

The VID file extension is linked to Generic Video Format and belongs to the Video Files category, which includes 445 files.

VID files are supported by Mac OS and Windows. When working with VID files, you can rely on 3 programs, including QuickTime, Windows Media and QuickTime Player.

Programs that support VID files

How to open a VID file?

If you can’t open a VID 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 VID files are QuickTime, Windows Media and QuickTime Player. To install the latest version of QuickTime on your computer, visit the Apple website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

Following installation, VID files should be automatically opened with QuickTime.

Set QuickTime as your default VID viewer

Changing the default program in Windows

  1. Right-click on your VID file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
  2. From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select QuickTime as your desired application;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening VID files.

Set default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired VID file to open a menu of available actions;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
  4. Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to QuickTime. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.

Solving Common VID File Challenges

When issues arise with VID files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.

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

Corrupted VID video 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 VID file size;
  • The file causes QuickTime or other programs to hang or crash during operation;

Why does QuickTime crash?

QuickTime crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your Apple products up to date by installing the latest updates.

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 to repair a corrupted VID file?

Use a data recovery program to open the damaged VID 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 video files.