Four Easy Ways to Open DEM Files

The scenario: You have a file with the DEM file extension on your computer that you need to open. You double-click it as usual, expecting for a program to load it up, but sadly nothing happens. You try it again, but still nothing happens. What can you do? Try these four easy methods to open a troublesome DEM file.

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1st Method: Open it in another program.

When you double-click DEM files, your computer attempts to open it in a program associated with DEM files. If there’s no program associated with DEM files on your computer, the file won’t open. To open the file, download one of the most popular programs associated with DEM files such as Turing, Half-Life Demo File, or Descent Demonstration.

2nd Method: Take a hint from the file type.

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The DEM file extension usually indicates it's under the umbrella of Game Files. However, if it’s another file type, it might not open with one of the programs listed above. Take the following steps to find the file type:

  1. Right-click the file.
  2. Click “Properties” (Windows) or “More Info” (Mac).
  3. Locate the file type under either “Type of File” (Windows) or “Kind” (Mac).

3rd Method: Check with the developer.

So you’ve tried using a different program, you’ve confirmed the file type, and your DEM file still won’t open. Even if these methods were unsuccessful, you might still be able to reach out to a software developer for help. Use the chart below to find the developer for each of the programs mentioned above and contact them directly for assistance.

Software Developed By
Turing Holt Software Associates Inc.
Half-Life Demo File Sierra
Descent Demonstration Windows Software
Delphi Edit Mask Borland Software Corporation
Creator Simulator Temporary File Tufts University
ArcView Digital Elevation Model File ESRI
USGS US Geological Survey National Mapping Division Topo30 3D File USGS SDTS
Vista Digital Elevation Model File Unknown
Quake/Hexen II .DEM File Format Microsoft Programmer
Unreal Tournament Demonstration File Epic Games Inc.
Demetra Automated Project ) European Commission (Eurostat
Vista Pro Graphic Windows Software
Raven Shield In-Game Recording Ubi Soft Entertainment

4th Method: Open it in a universal file viewer.

If the developer isn’t able to help, a universal file viewer probably can. File Magic (Download) and similar programs are designed to open a wide variety of file formats, including DEM files. Some aren’t compatible and will only open in binary. Download File Magic now to open you DEM and hundreds of other file types with one program!

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