Extract text from Definition files (DFN)
To convert DFN definitions to another format, you need TotalLab or other Data software.
To convert other file formats to the "Scientific Analysis Data" file type, you need software like TotalLab or a similar tool.
The .DFN extension typically refers to a 1D gel analysis data file generated by Nonlinear Dynamics TotalLab (now TotalLab). These files store critical quantitative data from electrophoresis experiments, such as lane detection, background subtraction settings, and molecular weight calibration curves. The primary catch for researchers is that .DFN files are proprietary containers; opening them requires a specific, licensed version of TotalLab software, which may be tied to a physical dongle or an expired subscription. This locks valuable experimental data away from standard analysis tools like Microsoft Excel or GraphPad Prism. For data accessibility, the best workflow is converting the raw numerical data to CSV or XLSX for statistical analysis, or the visual reports to PDF for archiving.
Alternatively, a .DFN file may be a Game Launcher Definition file used by the CatSystem2 engine, common in visual novels. These files configure startup parameters and resource paths. They are often binary-encoded or encrypted, making them unreadable in standard text editors like Notepad++. Users often encounter these when trying to mod games or troubleshoot launcher errors. Less frequently, .DFN files are associated with legacy Siemens I-deas CAD software or Dungeon Fighter Online game data.
Convert.Guru analyzes your DFN file, detects the exact format, and lets you read the text inside.
Users also converted WDM, SSD and LGX files.
If you want to convert DFN file to DWG, DXF, DGN, RVT, RFA, SKP, 3DM, STEP, IGES, SAT, X_T or X_B, you can use TotalLab or similar software from the "Gel Analysis & Game Definition" category. In the File menu, look for Save As… or Export….
To convert SLDASM, DGN, PRT, IAM, X_B, CATPRODUCT, SLDPRT, RVT, ASM, DWG, CATPART or DXF files to DFN, try TotalLab or another comparable tool in the "Gel Analysis & Game Definition" category.
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our DFN converter.