OVF File – What is .ovf file and how to open it?

Introduction to OVF Files

An Open Virtualization File (OVF) is a packaging format that encapsulates all the necessary information to create and deploy a virtual machine (VM) across different virtualization platforms. Developed by VMware, OVF provides a standardized way to bundle VM configurations, disks, and hardware settings into a single portable file. This simplifies the process of moving VMs between different hypervisors, cloud providers, or operating systems.

Benefits and Applications

OVF files offer numerous advantages. They enable the easy sharing of VMs between different organizations or teams, regardless of their underlying virtualization infrastructure. This simplifies collaboration and reduces the time required to deploy new VMs. Additionally, OVF files can be used for disaster recovery purposes, allowing VMs to be quickly restored on a different platform in the event of a hardware failure or other emergencies.

Using Virtualization Software

To open an OVF file, you will need a virtualization software such as VMware Workstation, VMware Player, or VirtualBox. These software applications provide a virtual environment where you can create and run virtual machines.

Once you have installed the virtualization software, follow these steps to open an OVF file:

1. Launch the virtualization software.
2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Open”.
3. Navigate to the location of the OVF file and select it.
4. Click on the “Open” button.

The virtualization software will begin importing the OVF file and creating a virtual machine based on the specifications defined in the file. Once the import process is complete, you will be able to start and use the virtual machine.

Using OVF Tool

Another way to open an OVF file is to use the OVF Tool. This tool is a command-line utility that allows you to manage OVF files and convert them into different formats.

To use the OVF Tool, follow these steps:

1. Download the OVF Tool from the VMware website.
2. Install the OVF Tool on your computer.
3. Open a command prompt window.
4. Navigate to the location of the OVF Tool.
5. Type the following command to open the OVF file:


ovftool --file path_to_ovf_file


The OVF Tool will display information about the OVF file, including the virtual hardware configuration, operating system, and installed software. You can also use the OVF Tool to convert the OVF file into other formats, such as OVA (Open Virtual Appliance) or VMX (VMware Virtual Machine).

OVF File Format

An OVF file is an open-source packaging format for virtual appliances. It is an XML-based file that describes the virtual machine’s hardware and software configuration, including the operating system, applications, and network settings. OVF files are typically used to distribute pre-configured virtual machines, enabling easy deployment and portability across different virtualization platforms. They provide a standardized way to package and distribute virtual appliances, ensuring compatibility and interoperability between different virtualization environments.

Benefits of OVF Files

OVF files offer several notable benefits. They simplify the deployment of virtual machines by automating the installation and configuration process. OVF files facilitate the migration of virtual machines between different virtualization platforms, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration, ensuring seamless portability. Additionally, they provide a consistent and structured approach for sharing and distributing virtual appliances, allowing for efficient collaboration and resource exchange within IT environments.

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