What is a TMP file
Temporary files with the TMP extension are generated by software and programs automatically. Usually, they serve as backup files and store information while a new file is created. Oftentimes, TMP files are created as "invisible" files. Once the new file is created or the program causing its creation is closed, those files are deleted again. Sometimes, however, they are not deleted and remain on the computers hard drive. It is not advised to delete TMP files manually since they can contain crucial information for a currently running program or process.
TMP files contain raw data. This raw data represents an intermediary step between file conversion or creation. TMP files become redundant if the target file format is created or the program creating the temporary cache file is closed. TMP files are usually created when a program does not have enough memory available to execute a task. Especially programs that deal with large amounts of data like audio or video editing programs oftentimes need to create TMP files.
Here's a small, but not exhaustive list of programs that can open TMP documents:
- Apple Safari
- Microsoft Word 2013
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Mozilla Firefox
