Kinds of TAB Files

Chief TAB Description

.TAB

File Name:	.tab
Category:	Tab Separated Data File

A text file containing a data table in which tabs separate columns. Many spreadsheet programs can import the file.

Developer:	Microsoft Corporation
File Category:	Text Files
Entry:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.tab

Software Programs That Open The Tab Separated Data File:

Microsoft Excel by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

	Mac
	iOS

Android

More TAB Files

.TAB

File Name:	.tab
Category:	Guitar Tablature File

A text file that contains guitar tabs and song lyrics, It is typically a text file but uses the extension to show that it has guitar tabs. Basic text editors can be used to open the file.

Developer:	Unknown Developer
File Category:	Text Files

Software Programs That Open Guitar Tablature File Files:

Microsoft Notepad by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

Mac

Linux

MacroMates TextMate by MacroMates

Compatible with:

Mac

Microsoft Word by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

Mac

.TAB

File Name:	.tab
Category:	MapInfo TAB File

GIS file saved by the desktop mapping program; MapInfo. It is saved in ASCII text and may have references to spatial data files or the spatial data itself.

Developer:	Pitney Bowes
File Category:	GIS Files

Software Programs That Open MapInfo TAB File Files:

Golden Software Surfer by Golden Software LLC

Compatible with:

Windows

Mac

Linux

ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop by ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute)

Compatible with:

Windows

MapInfo Professional by Pitney Bowes

Compatible with:

Windows

.TAB

File Name:	.tab
Category:	Typinator Set File

A file referenced by the typing shortcut program; Typinator. It contains typing abbreviations which the user can add to these set files.

Developer:	Ergonis Software
File Category:	Data Files

Software Programs That Open Typinator Set File Files:

Typinator by Ergonis Software

Compatible with:

Mac

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TAB File Complications

Frequent TAB Opening Issues

Microsoft Excel is Not Installed

If you attempt to load your TAB file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open TAB Files". When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft Excel missing in %%os%%. The OS won't know what to do with your TAB file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.

Tip: If you don't have Microsoft Excel installed, and you know of another program to open your TAB file, you can try opening it by selecting from the programs listed under "Show Apps".

Wrong Version of Microsoft Excel is Installed

In other instances, your Tab Separated Data File file version may not be supported by your version of Microsoft Excel. If you've got the wrong version of Microsoft Excel installed, you'll need to install the correct version. The primary cause of this problem is that your Tab Separated Data File file was created by a different (newer) version of Microsoft Excel than what's installed.

Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your TAB file and clicking "Properties".

Regardless, most of the TAB file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Microsoft Excel installed.

Additional TAB Opening Issues

Errors opening Tab Separated Data File files can still occur even with the latest Microsoft Excel software installed on your computer. Other TAB opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. Additional factors include:

• Invalid TAB file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Deletion of the TAB file description from the Registry by mistake
• Invalid installation of a TAB-associated program (eg. Microsoft Excel)
• Something has caused file corruption of your TAB
• Your TAB is infected with malware
• Device drivers for TAB-related hardware are out-of-date
• Windows has inadequate resources to open your Tab Separated Data File file