What Is a VOB File?

This article explains three file formats that use the VOB file extension, plus how to open each type.

What Is a VOB File?

A file with the .VOB file extension is most likely a DVD video object file, which can contain both video and audio data, as well as other movie-related content like subtitles and menus. They're sometimes encrypted and normally seen stored at the root of a DVD within the VIDEO_TS folder.

3D models/objects created by the E-on Vue 3D modeling program use this file extension, too. They can be textured using the information stored in a MAT (Vue Material) file.

The Live for Speed car racing video game uses VOB files, too, for the purpose of texturing and modeling 3D cars. The vehicles are symmetrical, so only half the model is contained in the file, and the rest is generated by the game.

How to Open a VOB File

Several software programs that deal with videos can open and edit VOB files. Some free VOB players include Windows Media Player, VLC, GOM Player, and Potplayer.

Other, non-free openers include CyberLink's PowerDVD, PowerDirector, and PowerProducer programs.

VobEdit is one example of a free VOB editor, and other programs like DVD Flick can turn regular video files into VOB files for the purpose of creating a DVD movie.

To open one on macOS, you can use VLC, MPlayerX, Elmedia Player, or Roxio Toast. VLC works with Linux as well.

If what you have is a 3D model, use E-on's Vue to open it.

The Live for Speed game uses VOB files in the car file format. The LFS Car Importer tool should be able to import car models into the game, but if not, the program likely pulls in VOB files from a specific location automatically during gameplay.

How to Convert VOB Files

There are several free video file converters, like VideoSolo Free Video Converter, that can save VOB files to MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, and other video file formats. Some, like Freemake Video Converter, can even save the file directly to a DVD or convert it and upload it right to YouTube.

For Vue Objects files, use Vue to see if it supports saving or exporting the 3D model to a new format. Look for the option in a Save as or Export area of the menu, most likely the File menu.

Considering that the Live for Speed game itself probably doesn't allow you to open the file manually, it's equally unlikely that there's a way for it to convert the VOB file to a new file format. It's possible that you can open it with an image editor or 3D modeling program to convert it to a new format, but there's probably little reason to do that.

Still Can't Open It?

The first thing to check if your file doesn't open with the suggestions above is the file extension itself. Make sure that it truly reads ".VOB" at the end and not something that's just spelled similarly.

For example, VOXB files are just one letter off of VOB files but are used for a completely different file format. VOXB files are Voxler Network files that open with Voxler.

Another is the Dynamics NAV Object Container file format that uses the FOB file extension. These files are used with Microsoft Dynamics NAV (previously known as Navision).

VBOX files are also easily confused with VOB files but are instead used by Oracle's VirtualBox program.

As you can tell in just these few examples, there are many different file extensions that might sound like or look like "VOB" but have no bearing on whether or not the file formats themselves are related or if they can be used with the same software programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I open a VOB file in Windows Media Player? If your version of Windows Media Player supports VOB files, right-click the file and select Open with > Windows Media Player. If that doesn't work, use a converter to export it as one of the supported files in Windows Media Player, such as .asf or .wmv files.
• How can I convert a VOB file to WMV? Use a converter that allows you to import VOB files and export them as WMV files. Free programs that support this type of conversion include the Any Video Converter or MiniTool Video Converter.