Types of ANI Files

Chief ANI Description

.ANI

Extension:	.ani
Group:	Windows Animated Cursor

The ANI file is a cursor animation file used by the Windows operating system.The ANI file contains image frames for the animation sequence as a collection of .ICO files.The ANI file is similar to a .CUR file, but contains multiple images used for animation.

Created by:	Microsoft Corporation
Group:	System Files
Key:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ani

Software Programs That Open The Windows Animated Cursor:

ACD Systems ACDSee by ACD Systems

Windows

Axialis CursorWorkshop by Axialis Company

Windows

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Sources of ANI Problems

Troubles Opening ANI Files

ACD Systems ACDSee Not Present

You attempt to load your ANI file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The ANI File Extension". If this is the case, it's usually due to the fact that you do not have ACD Systems ACDSee for %%os%% installed on your computer. Your operating system cannot associate your ANI with ACD Systems ACDSee, so double-clicking the file won't work.

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

Incorrect ACD Systems ACDSee Version

It is possible that your version of ACD Systems ACDSee isn't able to open your Windows Animated Cursor file due to incompatibility. If you do not have the proper version ACD Systems ACDSee (or any of the other programs listed above), you may need to try downloading a different version of it, or one of the other software applications listed above. This problem is predominately due to having a Windows Animated Cursor file version that was created by a newer version of ACD Systems ACDSee than what you have installed on your PC.

Tip: If you right-click on your ANI file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.

Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening ANI files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.

More Causes of Problems Opening ANIs

Assuming you have the right ACD Systems ACDSee version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening ANI files. If you are continuing to have errors with loading ANI files, other external issues might be to blame. Additional factors include:

• ANI file references in the Windows Registry are broken
• Unintentional removal of the description of the ANI file inside the Windows Registry
• Invalid installation of a ANI-associated program (eg. ACD Systems ACDSee)
• ANI file corruption
• Your ANI has adversely impacted by malware
• Device drivers for ANI-related hardware are out-of-date
• Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Windows Animated Cursor file