File extension .VI
Full Name | Developer | Category |
---|---|---|
LabVIEW Virtual Instrument Format | National Instruments | Data Files |
VI files are contained within files that use the VI file extension. These are known as LabVIEW Virtual Instrument files and were developed by National Instruments. The software’s primary purpose is for creating and running applications and programs created within LabVIEW, a graphical programming framework.
The structure of VI files is different from most other types of program files and these files operate similar to other types of graphical programming languages. The file contains two separate parts: 1) source code written in G, which is a LabVIEW-specific language, and 2) an icon for representing the file visually. During execution these two components work closely in order to develop an application or program.
What Are Similar File Extensions?
Other related file extensions include LVI, LVLIB, LVCLASS, VIW, FGT, LLB, LVPROJ, and LVRT. Most MIME types associated with VI files are "text/x-lvsrc," "application/x-lyte," "archive/lytx," and "application/xml" – all of which indicate that the file is a valid member of the LabVIEW family.
What is the Purpose of VI Files?
Essentially, the purpose of these types of files is to store applications and programs created by LabVIEW that can then be executed at a later point. The VI file extension allows users to develop various applications for their own desired purposes. As mentioned earlier, these files are specifically designed for use with LabVIEW – so they are not compatible with any other type of programming or development software.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .VI) 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 .VI 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 .VI 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 .VI 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 .VI extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .VI file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .VI 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 .VI file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .VI file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .VI 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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