MAT files exist as 5 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: MATLAB MAT-file
The load function reads arrays from a MAT-file into the MATLAB workspace. Users do not need to know the MAT-file format details. The MAT-file interface shields users. MAT-files are binary MATLAB files...
General Information
| Title | MATLAB MAT-file Extension |
| Extension | .mat |
| Full Form | MATLAB Matrix File |
| File Type | Binary, ASCII |
| Developer | MathWorks |
| MIME Type | application/matlab-mat |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Load data, Save workspace |
| Features | HDF-based, Platform-independent |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | With software |
Use Cases
| Data Analysis | Yes |
| Scientific Research | Yes |
| Engineering | Yes |
| Education | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Malware embedding |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, File validation |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | MAT-file Version 7.3 (HDF5-based) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .m, .fig, .mex, .p |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 MATLAB |
Commercial, Trial | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 GNU Octave |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 SciPy Library |
Free | Cross-platform |
Type 2: Microsoft Access Table Shortcut File
A file with the MAT extension is a Microsoft Access table shortcut. It opens an Access database table without first opening Microsoft Access. MAT files provide quick access to database tables. They ar...
General Information
| Title | MAT File Extension |
| Extension | .mat |
| Full Form | Microsoft Access Table Shortcut File |
| File Type | Database File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | application/vnd.ms-access |
File Function
| Primary Function | Database shortcut |
| Additional Functions | Quick access, Table reference |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High reliability |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with Access |
Use Cases
| Data Management | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes |
| Business Analysis | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Unauthorized access |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Access control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1992 with Access 1.0 |
| Latest Version | Access for Microsoft 365 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .mdb, .accdb, .accde, .accdt |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Access |
Licensed | Windows |
Type 3: 3ds Max Materials File
MATLAB MAT-file used by developer The MathWorks. Microsoft Access Table Shortcut File. 3ds Max Materials File stores material defining textures and lighting applied to surface, accessed from Material ...
General Information
| Title | MAT File Extension |
| Extension | .mat |
| Full Form | 3ds Max Materials File |
| File Type | Binary File |
| Developer | Autodesk |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store material settings |
| Additional Functions | Preserve textures, shaders |
| Features | Binary format, Contains material attributes |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High fidelity |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | Yes |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| 3D Modeling | Yes |
| Texturing | Yes |
| Rendering | Yes |
| Game Development | Yes |
| Visual Effects | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low risk |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | Depends on 3ds Max version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .max, .3ds, .fbx |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Autodesk 3ds Max |
Paid | Windows |
 Blender (with Import Script) |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 4: Vue Material File
A MAT file is saved in the MATLAB binary data format. It stores workspace variables like arrays, variables, functions. By saving variables in a MAT file, users can preserve and load their workspace la...
General Information
| Title | MAT File Extension |
| Extension | .mat |
| Full Form | Vue Material File |
| File Type | 3D Material Settings File |
| Developer | e-on software |
| MIME Type | application/mat |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store material settings |
| Additional Functions | Texture mapping, Shader settings |
| Features | Editable, Reusable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High fidelity |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | Yes |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| 3D Environment Design | Yes |
| Animation | Yes |
| Visual Effects | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Unknown |
| Latest Version | Depends on Vue version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .vob, .eco, .atm, .veg |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Vue |
Commercial | Windows, Mac |
Type 5: V-Ray Materials File
A MAT file stores data in the MATLAB binary format. MATLAB creates MAT files to save variables, arrays, functions and other data types. A MAT file is also used by 3ds Max. It stores material data that...
General Information
| Title | MAT File Extension |
| Extension | .mat |
| Full Form | V-Ray Materials File |
| File Type | 3D Materials File |
| Developer | Chaos Software |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store materials |
| Additional Functions | Texture mapping, Rendering data storage |
| Features | Binary format, Contains material properties |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High-quality rendering |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | Yes |
| Editable | Yes, with V-Ray |
Use Cases
| 3D Modeling | Yes |
| Visual Effects | Yes |
| Architectural Visualization | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | File tampering |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Secure sharing |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Unknown |
| Latest Version | Dependent on V-Ray version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .vrmat, .vismat |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 V-Ray for 3ds Max |
Commercial | Windows |
 V-Ray for SketchUp |
Commercial | Windows, Mac |
| V-Ray for Rhino |
Commercial | Windows |