DIF files exist as 4 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Data Interchange Format
DIF is a text file format to import/export spreadsheets between programs. DIF was developed by Software Arts in the 1980s for the VisiCalc spreadsheet program. The file format specifications were incl...
General Information
| Title | DIF File Extension |
| Extension | .dif |
| Full Form | Data Interchange Format |
| File Type | Spreadsheet Data File |
| Developer | Software Arts |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Import, Export |
| Features | Text-based, Tabular data |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Plain text |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Data Analysis | Yes |
| Data Transfer | Yes |
| Cross-platform Sharing | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low risk |
| Best Practices | Verify source, Regular updates |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | Varies by software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .xls, .xlsx, .ods, .csv |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Excel |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
 OpenOffice Calc |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 LibreOffice Calc |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: MAME CHD Diff File
General Information
| Title | DIF File Extension |
| Extension | .dif |
| Full Form | MAME CHD Diff File |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | MAME Team |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store changes |
| Additional Functions | Update CHD files |
| Features | Binary format, Compressed |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Lossless |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Indirectly |
Use Cases
| Gaming Emulation | Yes |
| Software Preservation | Yes |
| Data Recovery | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Version control, Backup |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies with MAME |
| Latest Version | Depends on MAME |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .chd |
Type 3: Digital Interface Format
The DIF file format can only store one spreadsheet. If you need to export multiple spreadsheets, create multiple DIF files. You can open over 400 formats with File Viewer Plus. DIF files relate to old...
General Information
| Title | DIF File Extension |
| Extension | .dif |
| Full Form | Data Interchange Format |
| File Type | Spreadsheet File |
| Developer | Software Arts |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Import, Export |
| Features | Tabular data, Text-based |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Standardized format |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Data Analysis | Yes |
| Data Transfer | Yes |
| Cross-Platform Sharing | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Minimal |
| Best Practices | Verify source, Update software |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early 1980s |
| Latest Version | Depends on software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .xls, .xlsx, .ods |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
| OpenOffice Calc |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| LibreOffice Calc |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 4: Torque Game Engine Model File
The Windows system automatically finds programs opening a file by format. If it can't help, proper software to open DIF files isn't installed. Download free or paid apps with functionality for DIF fil...
General Information
| Title | DIF File Extension |
| Extension | .dif |
| Full Form | Torque Game Engine Model File |
| File Type | 3D Model File |
| Developer | GarageGames |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store 3D models |
| Additional Functions | Contain textures, animations |
| Features | Binary format, Game engine specific |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Depends on model |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | Texture dependent |
| Editable | Yes, with tools |
Use Cases
| Video Games | Yes |
| Simulations | Yes |
| Virtual Worlds | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low, non-executable |
| Best Practices | Validate models, Use trusted sources |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early 2000s |
| Latest Version | Dependent on engine version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .dts, .map, .mis |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Torque Game Engine |
Commercial | Windows, Mac |
| Torque Constructor |
Free | Windows, Mac |
| TrenchBroom |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |