NFM File – What is .nfm file and how to open it?

Definition and Purpose of NFM Files

An NFM file, short for Delphi .NET Form File, is a binary file format associated with the Embarcadero Delphi programming language. NFM files serve as containers for storing Delphi .NET forms, which are visual user interface (UI) components used to create graphical applications. Delphi .NET forms are composed of various elements such as buttons, labels, and text boxes, allowing developers to design the visual layout and functionality of their applications.

Structure and Content of NFM Files

NFM files are organized into a hierarchical structure and are comprised of multiple sections. The file starts with a header that contains general information about the file, including the version number and the size of the data that follows. The main section of the file consists of a series of forms, each stored as a separate entity. Forms contain a collection of objects, which are the building blocks of the UI. Each object includes information such as its type, properties (e.g., size, color), and event handlers (e.g., click events). Additionally, NFM files may contain references to external resources, such as images or style sheets, that are used to enhance the visual appearance of the forms.

Opening NFM Files

To open an NFM file, you will need software that is compatible with the file format. One such software is Embarcadero Delphi, an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing applications in the Object Pascal programming language. The NFM file format is commonly used by Delphi to store form files, which contain the visual layout and controls for user interfaces in Delphi applications. To open an NFM file using Delphi, simply double-click on the file or drag and drop it into the Delphi IDE. Delphi will automatically load the NFM file and display the corresponding form in the Form Designer, allowing you to view, edit, and modify its contents.

Additional Software Options

If you do not have Embarcadero Delphi installed, you may consider using third-party software that supports the NFM file format. One such software is NFM Editor, a specialized tool designed specifically for opening and editing NFM files. NFM Editor provides various features for working with NFM files, including the ability to view, modify, and save form layouts, as well as export them to different file formats such as XML or binary. Additionally, you can use text editors that support XML, such as Notepad++ or Sublime Text, to open NFM files. However, it’s important to note that text editors may not provide the same level of functionality and editing options as dedicated NFM editing software like NFM Editor or Embarcadero Delphi.

NFM File Format

An NFM file is a Delphi .NET Form File created by Embarcadero Technologies. It is a binary file that stores the design information for a form in a Delphi .NET application. The NFM file contains the form’s layout, including the positions of controls, the properties of controls, and the event handlers for controls. NFM files are used to create and edit forms in Delphi .NET.

NFM files are similar to .DFM files, which are used to store the design information for forms in Delphi. However, NFM files are more powerful than DFM files because they support a wider range of features, such as custom controls and data binding. Additionally, NFM files are more efficient than DFM files because they use a binary format.

NFM File Structure

The NFM file format is a hierarchical structure. The root node of the file is the form itself. The form node has a number of child nodes, which represent the controls on the form. Each control node has a number of properties, which represent the properties of the control. Each property node has a value, which represents the value of the property.

The NFM file format is a powerful and efficient way to store the design information for forms in Delphi .NET applications. NFM files are used by the Delphi .NET IDE to create and edit forms.

Other Extensions