File extension .UDF
Full Name | Developer | Category |
---|---|---|
Universal Disk Format | Optical Storage Technology Association | Disk Image Files |
The UDF ( UDF) file extension is a format developed and maintained by the Optical Storage Technology Association. It is most commonly associated with CDs and DVDs, though it also can be used to store data on other storage mediums as well.
UDF is also an acronym for ‘Universal Disk Format’ which summarizes the capacity and flexibility of this file type. It is widely used across many platforms and operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. UDF was initially designed to replace the earlier ISO 9660 file system, which was previously the common format for optical media storage. This new file system seeks to make the data more easily accessible, allowing for permission-based access and resilience against potential damage.
UDF File Format Details
The UDF file extension uses a log-structured file system that contains both metadata and content data. It has one reserved area, the anchor volume descriptor. This is where important information about the data stored in the medium is held. A subset of the ISO 9660 structure is also used in order to maintain compatibility with legacy systems. Therefore, most compatible readers should have no issue reading UDF files.
The physical sectors within a storage device are concatenated into Block Access Records (BARs). These BARs support error recovery techniques such as forward error correction. There are several versions of UDF available, ranging from 1.02 up to 2.60. Together with UDF, some similar formats include ISO, IMG, and NRG.
Programs for MAC system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .UDF) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .UDF extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .UDF file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .UDF extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .UDF extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .UDF file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .UDF file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .UDF file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .UDF file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .UDF file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines

Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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