File Extension Database

Open CIV File

The CIV file extension typically has a couple of primary purposes. These files usually associate with Civilization Saved Game Files and Valve Material files. Let's discuss these uses in detail.

Civilization Saved Game Files

CIV files can often be associated with the popular game "Sid Meier's Civilization", in which case they would typically represent saved game files. Such files enable players to save their current game status and then return to it later. These files mostly contain data regarding the game's progress, from the player's actions to the game's AI responses.

You can open such files by just running the Civilization game and loading the game from its menu. However, note that a saved game file from a certain version of Civilization might not work with other versions. For compatibility sake, ensure that the game version matches with the version of the saved file. You can download or purchase the game from the official Civilization website.

Valve Material files

CIV files may also represent Valve Material files. These files are utilized by Valve Corporation in their graphics engine known as Source. Essentially, these files contain data about the texture and properties of game materials. These are mainly used in game production, specifically in defining material properties such as its color, texture, reflectivity, etc.

You can open Valve Material files with Valve's Hammer Editor or any other software that supports such file types like GCFScape. Moreover, if you're going to extensively work with these files, consider visiting Valve's Developer Community for detailed documentation and resources.

CIV File Important Information

It's crucial to understand that CIV files are not meant to be opened manually. Mostly, they'll be loaded by the appropriate application (Civilization game or Valve's editing tools) as part of its operation. By attempting to open these files manually, you risk causing harm to the file or program.

Additionally, ensure that you keep these files secure as they can contain significant data depending on their use case. Always keep backups of these files, especially those related to saved game files, as losing them could mean losing hours of gameplay.

If you're having trouble dealing with CIV files, or you're unable to open them, consider visiting websites like FileInfo for more information and potential solutions.

How Can I Open CIV File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open CIV file is to find a CIV file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CIV file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open CIV file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as CIV file opener then try to search online for "CIV viewer", "application to open CIV file" or "open CIV file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open CIV file

How Can I Open CIV File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a CIV file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CIV file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with CIV file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as CIV file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open CIV file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open CIV file then try to search for "CIV viewer", "application to open CIV file" or "read CIV file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read CIV file

How Can I Open CIV File on Android

If you downloaded a CIV file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded CIV file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "CIV".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "CIV viewer", "CIV file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open CIV File on iPhone or iPad

To open CIV File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the CIV file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "CIV". This way you can find apps which can open CIV files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "CIV viewer" or "CIV file" online in your favorite search engine.

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