What is a MAF file?
The .MAF file extension represents multiple distinct file formats. The most common use is the Mutation Annotation Format created by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Researchers use these files to store genetic mutation data. Another prominent format is the Microsoft Access Form or Microsoft Access form shortcut, used by Microsoft Access to link database interfaces. A .MAF file can also be a multiple sequence alignment file for the UCSC Genome Browser, or a 3D game character animation file used by the Capcom MT Framework engine.
Because .MAF files have multiple possible meanings, it is important to identify the actual format of your file. viewer.online/maf can analyze .MAF files to identify the exact format and creator software. It allows you to inspect the file structure, extract readable text, and check whether an online preview is available.
How to open MAF files?
If your .MAF file contains genetic data, it is a tab-delimited text file. You can open it using any standard text editor like Notepad++ or process it using specialized bioinformatics libraries like MAFtools in R. Multiple sequence alignment files generated by lastz are also text-based.
If your .MAF file is a database shortcut, you need Microsoft Access installed on a Windows computer to open it. If it is a game animation file, modding communities often use tools like the Mario Kart Wii Archive Tool to view and extract the data.
Best practices and troubleshooting
Do not change the .MAF file extension to guess the format. This will not change the underlying data and can corrupt the file. If you need a different format, we recommend file conversion to sensible target formats like .CSV or .TXT on convert.guru.
Summary
Handling unknown file types can cause compatibility problems. viewer.online/maf is useful for identifying, inspecting, and understanding .MAF files without installing software or dealing with compatibility problems.