The file extension ASF is associated with multiple programs and applications and various file types. The most common association is the Advanced Streaming Format, but the file extension can also be created with Lotus 1-2-3, APL*Plus, and Statgraphics. ASF files contain data and information related to the program that created the file.
If the ASF file extension is defined as an Advanced Streaming Format, the file is categorized as a video file type which contains multimedia data that has been synchronized to support a wide variety of data delivery methods. The Advanced Streaming Format is also commonly referred to as Advanced Systems Format and is a format developed by Microsoft for the purpose of providing a multimedia format which is not dependent upon specific operating platforms, communications protocols, or data streaming methods.
In addition to audio and video, Advanced Streaming Format files contain metadata which describes headers, titles, and other data used for structuring videos. The files are typically saved in a compressed format using an array of video codecs but are most commonly stored using the Windows Media Audio (WMA) codec or WMV (Windows Media Video) codec.
If the file extension ASF is associated with Lotus 1-2-3, the file is categorized as a font file type which stores font styles that are compatible with Lotus applications. Lotus 1-2-3 is a spreadsheet application developed by IBM prior to 2000 and is still available on the IBM website. Lotus 1-2-3 is also compatible with Microsoft Excel.
ASF files which are defined as APL*Plus are a source code and script file type that contains mathematical algorithms created by developers of the MS-DOS operating system. APL stands for A Programming Language and is one of the early programming languages developed in the 1960s by Ken Iverson and colleagues at IBM.
If the file extension ASF is related to Statgraphics, the file is categorized as a various data file type which stores a variety of data used with the Statgraphics software application. The extension is created with earlier versions of Statgraphics, which is an application created by StatPoint, Inc. and used for statistical modeling and data analysis.
How to Open ASF Files
Since ASF files can be opened using multiple programs and applications, double click on the file to see if it will automatically open in a default program you have installed on your PC. ASF files vary in contents and file types, so you may already have a program which will open the file.
If the file extension ASF is defined as an Advanced Streaming Format, the file can be opened using a wide variety of media player applications. If you are using the Windows operating system, the most common way to open ASF files is by using Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player is typically included in the Windows operating system and can also be downloaded on the Microsoft website. You can also opt to use Nullsoft Winamp Media Player 5.6 which is available as a free download on the Winamp website or CyberLink Power DVD 12 which is offered in several versions on the CyberLink website.
If you are looking for a multiplatform media player which will open the file extension ASF, you can use VLC Media Player, which is an open source media player. VLC Media Player is available as a free download on the VideoLAN website and is designed to be used with Windows, Mac OS X, and the Linux operating system.
ASF files which are part of Lotus can be opened using Lotus 1-2-3 which is available for download on the IBM website. Lotus 1-2-3 is compatible with the Windows operating system. This type of ASF file can also be opened using Microsoft Excel, which is part of the Microsoft Office Suite of productivity applications. If you do not have Excel installed in Windows, you can obtain the download on the Microsoft website.
ASF files which are defined as an APL*Plus programming language file can be opened using any text editing program if you do not have MS-DOS installed on an IBM PC. If you are using Windows, you can open ASF files with WordPad, Notepad, or TextPad. For Mac OS X, ASF files can be opened using Apple TextEdit, AbiSource AbiWord, or MacroMates TextMate. For the Linux operating system, you can use AbiSource AbiWord, gEdit, Nano Editor, or Vim to open and view the contents of the ASF file.
If the file extension ASF is associated with Statgraphics, you can open it using Statgraphics Centurion XVI.I which is available as a 30-day free trial on the StatPoint Technologies website. Statgraphics is designed for use with the Windows operating system.
