FLOW File – What is .flow file and how to open it?


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FLOW File Extension

Expression SketchFlow Data File – file format by Microsoft

FLOW file extension is associated with Expression SketchFlow, a discontinued web designing and prototyping tool by Microsoft. It contains data used by the application, such as page designs, components, and interactions.

FLOW File Basics

A FLOW file is a data file used by Expression SketchFlow, a discontinued drawing and painting application developed by Microsoft. It stores drawings, sketches, and other artwork created within the program. FLOW files are similar to other image file formats such as JPEG and PNG, but they may also include additional data such as brush strokes, layers, and metadata. This allows users to edit and manipulate their artwork even after it has been saved.

FLOW File Structure

FLOW files are binary files that use a proprietary file format. The file structure is organized into sections, each of which contains a specific type of data. The first section contains the file header, which provides information about the file version, dimensions, and color depth. Subsequent sections contain the image data, brush stroke data, layer data, and other metadata. FLOW files can be opened and edited using Expression SketchFlow or other compatible applications.

Software to Open FLOW Files

FLOW files, associated with the Expression SketchFlow Data File format, can be opened using Expression SketchFlow, a discontinued software application developed by Microsoft for creating and editing vector graphics. Expression SketchFlow allowed users to draw and sketch using a stylus or mouse, with features for quick sketching, vector editing, and collaboration. It was primarily designed for artists, designers, and educators looking for a digital drawing tool.

Alternative Methods

Since Expression SketchFlow is no longer supported by Microsoft, there are limited options for directly opening FLOW files. However, if you have access to a previous version of SketchFlow, you may still be able to open and view FLOW files. Another potential solution is using a file converter tool that can convert FLOW files to a compatible format, such as SVG or PDF, making them viewable in standard graphic design software or web browsers. It’s important to note that some converters may not fully preserve the original format and content of the FLOW file, so testing the conversion results is recommended.

Expression SketchFlow Data File (.FLOW)

Expression SketchFlow is a Microsoft software application that allows users to create flowcharts and diagrams. .FLOW files are used to store the data associated with these flowcharts and diagrams. This data includes the shapes, connectors, and text that make up the flowchart or diagram. .FLOW files can also store information about the layout of the flowchart or diagram, such as the position and size of the shapes and connectors.

.FLOW files are typically saved in a proprietary binary format, but they can also be exported to other formats, such as .XML and .PDF. .FLOW files can be opened and edited using Expression SketchFlow or other compatible software programs.

Other Extensions