File extension .ZIM
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Wiki Archive Format | The OpenZIM Project | Data Files |
The ZIM file extension is a compressed archive format developed originally by Wikimedia for the purpose of porting Wikipedia content from an online medium to a local storage device. It is used extensively with the popular Kiwix offline reader, and can be read by many other programs including 7-Zip and OpenZIM. It allows for efficient data storage and delivery by compressing textual content, data, images, videos, and other multimedia from Wikipedia or other sites using Wikidata.
Technical Details
The ZIM file format is based on the open-source ZLIB library and is compressed using the DEFLATE algorithm. It has a directory structure which stores a file system listing, a directory of titles, and descriptions. The files in the archive can contain a variety of content, including HTML files, images, videos, XML, CSS stylesheets, JavaScript files, fonts, and so forth. Other file extensions related to ZIM include .zip, .gz, .xml, and .tar.
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .ZIM) 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 .ZIM 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 .ZIM 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 .ZIM 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 .ZIM extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .ZIM file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .ZIM 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 .ZIM file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .ZIM file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .ZIM 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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