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MO File - What is a .mo file and how do I open it?
Learn about .MO files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a MO file? Binary data file that contains object data referenced by a program; typically used to translate program code; may be loaded or imported into the GNU gettext program.
More Information Since MO files are binary in nature, they are not human readable like .PO files. However, they may contain some data that can be recognized in a text editor.
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DeveloperActimagine
Popularity3.0 | 2 Votes
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.MO File Extension
2 file types use the .mo file extension.
Machine Object File
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.7 | 59 Votes |
What is a MO file?
Binary data file that contains object data referenced by a program; typically used to translate program code; may be loaded or imported into the GNU gettext program.
More Information
Since MO files are binary in nature, they are not human readable like .PO files. However, they may contain some data that can be recognized in a text editor.
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Programs that open or reference MO files
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GNU gettext
Free
Mac
GNU gettext
Free
Linux
GNU gettext
Free
Category: Developer Files
Updated: December 16, 2008
Mobiclip Video
| Developer | Actimagine |
| Popularity |
3.0 | 2 Votes |
A MO file may also be a video file encoded with the Mobiclip video codec , a proprietary format designed for efficient playback on low-power and limited-hardware devices. It contains compressed video data and may also include synchronized audio data. Various Nintendo consoles, including Nintendo DS, DSi, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Wii, widely use the format for in-game videos, cutscenes, menus, and other animated content.
More Information
Actimagine developed the Mobiclip format for delivering smooth video performance with low CPU and memory usage, which is ideal for handheld systems and embedded platforms. Nintendo game developers used MO files to include video playback without placing heavy demands on the hardware. Outside of gaming, the Mobiclip format also appeared in some mobile and embedded applications that required lightweight video decoding.
How to open a MO file
MO files are not meant to be opened. Instead, the handheld console automatically loads the video to play the content in a game.
However, there are some specialized tools that can decode the files, such as Mobiclip decoding utilities and Nintendo console emulators that support Mobiclip video. Examples include Mobiclip Decoder and mo2mp4.
How to convert a MO file
mo2mp4 allows users to dump all frames from Wii MO files as .PNG images, and then merge the images into an .MP4 video.
Programs that open or reference MO files
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Mobiclip Decoder
Free
mo2mp4
Free
Category: Video Files
Updated: January 28, 2026