The Four Best Ways to Open WAD Files

The first way you should always try to open file extension WAD is to double-click it, but when that doesn’t work, there are a few other things you can try. There are lots of programs that can open different file extensions, and there are some simple ways you can tell which one to use.

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Pick the Right Program

Start by choosing the right program to open your WAD file. A few of the most common programs used to open WAD files are listed below. One of them should be able to open your WAD file.

  • Quake Archive
  • Doom Game File
  • Theme Park World Archive
  • Heretic Archive
  • Gunman Chronicle Archive
  • Half Life Texture File (Sierra Entertainment Inc.)
  • Hexen Archive
  • WAD3 Game Data
  • Game Archive
  • Programming Library
  • WAD Manager Wii Channel Archive

Note the File Type

Other programs may be able to open your WAD file, depending on the type of file it is. You can find the file type listed in the file’s properties. On a Windows PC, right-click the file, click "Properties", then look under “Type of File.” On a Mac computer, right-click the file, click “More Info,” then look under “Kind”.

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Tip: If it’s the WAD file extension, it probably falls under the Game Files type, so any program used for Game Files should open your WAD file.

Ask the Developer

Contacting the software developer is another easy way to get help opening a WAD file. You can find the developers for the most common programs used to open WAD files in the list below.

Software Developer
Quake Archive Windows Programmer
Doom Game File Id Software Inc.
Theme Park World Archive Windows Programmer
Heretic Archive Microsoft Programmer
Gunman Chronicle Archive PC Software Company
Half Life Texture File (Sierra Entertainment Inc.) Image or Map
Hexen Archive Unknown
WAD3 Game Data Windows Programmer
Game Archive PC Software Company
Programming Library PC Software Company
WAD Manager Wii Channel Archive Waninkoko

Use a Universal File Viewer

When all else fails, a universal file viewer is the best way to open a WAD file. Programs like File Magic (Download) can open many different types of files, depending on the format. Although, some files may not be compatible with these programs. If your WAD file isn’t compatible, it will only open in binary format.


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1File types that are unsupported can be opened in binary format.

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