What Is an Exp File?

The file extension EXP is used for several different types of files, each of which needs a different program to open. In most cases, EXP is a shortening of "export." In computer terms, exporting a file means to transform data into a format that is viewable by other programs without losing formatting information.

Symbols Export File

• The most common type of EXP file is a symbols export file, a type of developer file used by an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This type of EXP file contains symbol table data that gives programs that help build software, such as a debugger, information and data about a program. Two programs that will open this type of EXP file are Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 and Freescale CodeWarrior Development Tools.

Export File

• In general, the file extension EXP indicates an export file. This type of EXP file is usually created by selecting "Export" under the "File" menu. Different programs export files into different file formats, most of which don't have the file extension EXP. For example, OpenOffice.org Word Processor can export files into the PDF file format. One program that might be able to open an export file with the extension EXP is Intuit QuickBooks Pro 2011.

CATIA 4 Export File

• Another type of EXP file is an export file created by CATIA version 4, a program for building 3D computer models for industrial design. This type of EXP file contains a 3D model, as well as a list of materials and other information needed to create the model. Three programs that can open this type of EXP file are Dassault Systemes CATIA, Adobe Acrobat X Pro, and Okino Computer Graphics PolyTrans.

Aurora Expert Trace File

• A less common type of EXP file is a data communications trace file created by Aurora Expert; in this case, EXP stands for "Expert." This type of EXP file contains a record of how data travels, which is useful for analyzing communications and networking. You can open this EXP file using Trend Communications Aurora Expert.

SonicWALL Preference File

• Another less common type of EXP file is a preference file for the firewall program SonicWALL. It contains information on firewall settings and configurations, saved in the file "sonicwall.exp" automatically. You can create this file by selecting the "Systems" menu, then "Settings," then "Create Backup Settings." You can use this settings file with SonicWALL or transfer it to another firewall program.