AD file: How can I open a .AD file?
The table below provides useful information about the .ad file extension. It answers questions such as:
- What is the .ad file?
- What program do I need to open a .ad file?
- How can the .ad file be opened, edited or printed?
- How can I convert .ad files to another format?
We hope you find this page helpful and a valuable resource.
✅ After Dark Screensaver

The AD file is an After Dark Screensaver. After Dark is a series of computer screensaver software introduced by Berkeley Systems for the Apple Macintosh, and later for Microsoft Windows.
✅ DSM Application Diagram

The AD file is a DSM Application Diagram. The Distributed System Designers (DSM) are a core component of Visual Studio Team Edition for Software Architects and the Visual Studio Team System.
✅ AppleDouble Encoded Data

The AD file is an AppleDouble Encoded Data. AppleDouble is a file format developed by Apple Inc. for storing file metadata and resource forks in a Unix-like file system.
✅ AxSys Script

The AD file is an AxSys Script. AxSys is an obsolete, script based control software.
✅ Anno Designer Project

The AD file is an Anno Designer Project. Anno Designer is a building layout designer for Ubisoft's Anno-series.
⚠ Be careful with .ad files.
It's important to know that the .ad file extension can be used by various programs, not just the ones you expect. This includes potentially harmful software or malware that might create .ad files. Be cautious when dealing with .ad files from unknown sources.
🚫 The .ad file extension is often given incorrectly!
According to the searches on our site, these misspellings were the most common in the past year:
Is it possible that the filename extension is misspelled?
We found the following similar file extensions in our database:
🔴 Can't open a .ad file?
When you double-click a file to open it, Windows examines the filename extension. If Windows recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When Windows does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:
Select an app to open this .ad file
It means that the operating system does not have a default app associated with the .ad file type. To resolve this issue and open the file, you can take the following steps:
- Right-click on the .ad file. A context menu will appear.
- From the context menu, select Open with. Windows will display a list of recommended apps.
- If the desired app is listed, select it from the provided options.
- If you cannot find the appropriate app, you may need to install software that supports the specific file type.
If you don't know how to change the default app for the .ad file, check the FAQ.
🔴 Can I change the extension of files?
Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. The extension of a file serves as a hint to the operating system and various software programs about the type of data contained within the file. When you alter a file's extension, you essentially modify how software applications interpret and handle that file. Every file has a specific format, also known as its file type or file format. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format.
If you have helpful information about the .ad file extension, write to us.