MAF files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Microsoft Access Form
General Information
| Title | MAF File Extension |
| Extension | .maf |
| Full Form | Microsoft Access Form |
| File Type | Database Form File |
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
| MIME Type | application/msaccess |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store form design |
| Additional Functions | Link to database, Handle events |
| Features | Visual components, Event-driven |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Structure dependent |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Database Management | Yes |
| Data Entry Forms | Yes |
| Front-end Interface | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Code injection, Macro viruses |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Disable macros |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1992 |
| Latest Version | Access 2019 (part of Office 2019) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .accdb, .mdb, .accde, .accdt |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Access |
Paid | Windows |
Type 2: Mutation Annotation Format File
MAF files store somatic mutation data in a tab-delimited format. The National Cancer Institute and National Human Genome Research Institute maintain this format as part of The Cancer Genome Atlas proj...
General Information
| Title | MAF File Extension |
| Extension | .maf |
| Full Form | Mutation Annotation Format File |
| File Type | Genomic Data File |
| Developer | The Cancer Genome Atlas |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store mutation data |
| Additional Functions | Genomic analysis |
| Features | Human-readable, Structured |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Highly structured |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Genomic Research | Yes |
| Clinical Diagnostics | Yes |
| Pharmaceutical Development | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Sensitive data |
| Best Practices | Data anonymization, Access control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Circa 2009 |
| Format Revisions | Ongoing |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .vcf, .gvcf, .bcf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 UCSC Genome Browser |
Free | Web-based |
| Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Variant Effect Predictor |
Free | Web-based |