.WORLD File Extension

WORLD files exist as 5 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: WorldPainter File

General Information

Title WORLDPainter File Extension
Extension .world
Full Form WorldPainter Project File
File Type Map Data File
Developer WorldPainter
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store map projects
Additional Functions Customize terrain, Import/export maps

File Characteristics

Quality High customizability
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Game Design Yes
Custom Maps Yes
Education Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks File corruption
Best Practices Regular backups, Version control

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2011
Latest Version Dependent on software updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .schematic, .nbt, .mca, .dat

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
WorldPainter Free, Donationware Windows, Mac, Linux
Minecraft Paid Windows, Mac, Linux, Console, Mobile

Type 2: Terraria Mobile World File

Learn about WORLD file extension and open .world files. The WORLD file is a game file for Terraria mobile game. It contains a game world with terrain, items, monsters and objects for gameplay. WORLD f...

General Information

Title .WORLD File Extension
Extension .world
Full Form Terraria Mobile World File
File Type Game World File
Developer Re-Logic
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store game world
Additional Functions Preserve terrain, player progress
Features 2D world data, Tile information

File Characteristics

Quality Game-dependent
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable With third-party tools

Use Cases

Gaming Yes
World Sharing Yes
Custom Creations Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular backups, Use trusted editors

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2013
Latest Version Varies with game updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .plr (Terraria Player File)

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Terraria Mobile Paid iOS, Android

Type 3: The Sims 3 Create a World Tool File

The .world file extension is used by The Sims 3 game. It stores worlds made with The Sims 3 Create a World tool. This tool allows making custom neighborhoods for The Sims 3 game. The tool was released...

General Information

Title .WORLD File Extension
Extension .world
Full Form The Sims 3 Create a World Tool File
File Type Game Modding File
Developer Electronic Arts
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store custom worlds
Additional Functions Store terrains, lots, roads

File Characteristics

Quality Highly variable
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Custom World Creation Yes
Game Modding Yes
Fan-made Content Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Minimal
Best Practices Scan for viruses, backup original files

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release December 2009
Updates Occasional, With tool

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .package, .sims3pack

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
The Sims 3 Create a World Tool Free Windows, Mac
The Sims 3 Paid Windows, Mac

Type 4: Worlds.com World File

A world file georeferences raster map images. It was introduced by Esri. Line 1 defines x-direction pixel size. Line 2 specifies rotation about y-axis. Terraria uses WORLD files for its mobile world...

General Information

Title .WORLD File Extension
Extension .world
Full Form Worlds.com World File
File Type 3D World Data File
Developer Worlds Inc.
MIME Type application/x-worlds

File Function

Primary Function Store 3D content
Additional Functions Define environment, objects, navigation
Features 3D world representation, Multi-user

File Characteristics

Quality Depends on content
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency Yes
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Virtual Reality Yes
Online Gaming Yes
Educational Environments Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Insecure scripts
Best Practices Regular updates, Script vetting

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1990s
Updates Occasional

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .vrml, .x3d, .3ds

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
WorldsPlayer Free Windows
Activeworlds Browser Free, Premium options Windows

Type 5: Starbound World File

General Information

Title .WORLD File Extension
Extension .world
Full Form Starbound World File
File Type Game World File
Developer Chucklefish
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store game world
Additional Functions Save terrain, objects, NPCs
Features 2D, Tile-based, Procedural generation

File Characteristics

Quality Game-dependent
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable With editor

Use Cases

Gameplay Yes
Modding Yes
Backup Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular backup, Mod verification

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2013
Latest Version Varies with game updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .player, .shipworld, .metadata

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Starbound Paid Windows, Mac, Linux
Starcheat Free Windows, Mac, Linux