How to open .CWL files on Windows
To open .CWL files on Windows, right-click the .cwl file and choose open with..
Step-by-step instructions
- Right-click the .CWL file and choose Open with.
- Select a trusted Windows app that supports .CWL files.
Recommended software
- VS Code
- Notepad++/TextEdit
- jq (CLI)
Alternative methods
- Open .CWL in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
- Try opening .CWL on Windows with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
- Convert .CWL only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.
Common issues
.CWL file does not open
This usually means the required app is missing or the .CWL file is incomplete.
- Install or update a compatible application.
- Verify the file came from a trusted source and was fully downloaded.
- Try opening the file in an alternative app on another platform.
Security note
Only open .CWL files from trusted senders.