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ORA File - What is an .ora file and how do I open it?
Learn about .ORA files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is an ORA file? Text file used by Oracle Database, an enterprise-level relational database management system (RDBMS); contains database configuration parameters; used for storing system-wide defaults and for fine-tuning database performance.
More Information All parameters in ORA files are optional since the Oracle database already contains default values for the required parameters. Parameters can be specified in any order. Common ORA filenames include init.ora (initialization parameters) and tnsnames.ora (SQL*Net connection configuration file).
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DeveloperThe OpenRaster Initiative
Popularity3.2 | 9 Votes
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In-Depth
.ORA File Extension
2 file types use the .ora file extension.
Oracle Database Configuration File
| Developer | Oracle |
| Popularity |
3.2 | 14 Votes |
What is an ORA file?
Text file used by Oracle Database, an enterprise-level relational database management system (RDBMS); contains database configuration parameters; used for storing system-wide defaults and for fine-tuning database performance.
More Information
All parameters in ORA files are optional since the Oracle database already contains default values for the required parameters. Parameters can be specified in any order.
Common ORA filenames include init.ora (initialization parameters) and tnsnames.ora (SQL*Net connection configuration file).
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Programs that open or reference ORA files
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Category: Database Files
Updated: April 11, 2011
OpenRaster Image File
| Developer | The OpenRaster Initiative |
| Popularity |
3.2 | 9 Votes |
An ORA file may also be an image file saved in the OpenRaster (ORA) format, an open raster graphics format that supports multiple layers. It stores image data along with metadata , such as XMP and EXIF tags. ORA files may include multiple image layers, layer groups, blending modes, adjustment layers, and masks, making them suitable for editing and preserving complex, layered artwork.
More Information
ORA file open in GIMP 3
Developers Boudewijn Rempt and Cyrille Berger proposed the ORA format during the Libre Graphics Meeting in Lyon in 2006. They introduced OpenRaster as a standardized format that multiple open-source graphics programs could support, allowing users to move layered images between different graphics applications without losing information.
One of the primary purposes of the ORA format is to provide a free alternative to {Adobe Photoshop’s|adobe/photoshop} proprietary .PSD format. ORA files may also include text, paths, saved selections, and color profile information, which makes them well-suited for collaborative and long-term editing workflows.
How to open an ORA file
You can open ORA files with various applications, including GIMP , XnViewMP , and Chasys Draw IES. To open an ORA file with GIMP, select File → Open .
How to convert an ORA file
Several applications, including GIMP and XnViewMP, can convert ORA files.
For example, GIMP can convert ORA files to various file types, including the following formats:
Programs that open ORA files
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GIMP
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GIMP
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Category: Raster Image Files
Updated: September 25, 2025