Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.BUFR
File Type
Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological data
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .bufr file format
BUFR (Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological data) is a binary data format designed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for the efficient exchange and storage of meteorological and oceanographic data. It is a self-describing, table-driven code form, meaning that t…
File extension
.BUFR
File type
Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological data
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .bufr file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .bufr.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .bufr file?
File extension details and usage information
BUFR (Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological data) is a binary data format designed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for the efficient exchange and storage of meteorological and oceanographic data. It is a self-describing, table-driven code form, meaning that the structure and content of the data are defined by tables that are included within the BUFR message itself. This allows for a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to different types of data and observing systems. BUFR is used to represent a wide variety of data, including surface observations, upper-air soundings, satellite data, radar data, and oceanographic data. Its binary nature makes it more compact and efficient for transmission and storage compared to character-based formats. The self-describing nature of BUFR allows for easier interpretation and processing of data by different users and systems, even if they are not familiar with the specific data type or observing system. The format is widely used in operational meteorology and climate research.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .bufr files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .bufr files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .bufr file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .bufr file.
Why can't I open a .bufr file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .bufr format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .bufr files
To open a .bufr file, use software that supports this file format.
- ecCodes
- Metview
- Panoply
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .bufr file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.