Open GDL files

  • Full name
    ArchiCAD Geometric Description Language Data
  • Developer
    Graphisoft
Have you encountered a problem with a GDL file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a GDL file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your GDL file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

Programs which can open a GDL file

How to open file with GDL extension?

In order to open a file with GDL extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening GDL file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with GDL files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install ArchiCAD or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening GDL files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support GDL files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of GDL files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.


Set ArchiCAD as the default program for opening GDL files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate GDL files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the ArchiCAD applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where ArchiCAD has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with GDL files

Sometimes problems with opening GDL files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • GDL files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open GDL files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • GDL file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)