---
title: ".accdb file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .accdb file is a Microsoft Access Database. The Access database format since 2007 — Windows only, in practice. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/accdb/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .accdb files

**.accdb file: Microsoft Access Database**

The Access database format since 2007 — Windows only, in practice.

## What opens a .accdb file

- **Windows:** Microsoft Access, Access Runtime (free, to run an existing database)
- **macOS:** Microsoft Access in a Windows VM (Parallels Desktop)
- **Linux:** No reliable option — request a CSV or Excel export

## What a .accdb file is

ACCDB replaced MDB in Access 2007, adding attachment fields, multi-value fields and better encryption. Only Microsoft Access reads it properly, and Access is a Windows-only product not included in every Microsoft 365 plan. On a Mac or Linux machine the realistic options are a Windows virtual machine or asking whoever sent it for a CSV or Excel export.

## Converting it

A .accdb file is commonly converted to .mdb, .csv, .xlsx or .sql. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .accdb
- **Full name:** Microsoft Access Database
- **Category:** Data
- **Created by:** Microsoft
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .accdb file?

On Windows use Microsoft Access; on macOS use Microsoft Access in a Windows VM (Parallels Desktop); on Linux use No reliable option — request a CSV or Excel export. The Access database format since 2007 — Windows only, in practice.

### What is a .accdb file?

Microsoft Access Database. ACCDB replaced MDB in Access 2007, adding attachment fields, multi-value fields and better encryption. Only Microsoft Access reads it properly, and Access is a Windows-only product not included in every Microsoft 365 plan.

### Can I convert a .accdb file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .mdb, .csv, .xlsx or .sql, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.csv — Comma-Separated Values](https://atoneplace.net/file/csv/)
- [.json — JavaScript Object Notation](https://atoneplace.net/file/json/)
- [.xml — Extensible Markup Language](https://atoneplace.net/file/xml/)
- [.yaml — YAML Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/yaml/)
- [.log — Log File](https://atoneplace.net/file/log/)
- [.torrent — BitTorrent Metainfo File](https://atoneplace.net/file/torrent/)
- [.dat — Generic Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/dat/)
- [.vcf — vCard Contact File](https://atoneplace.net/file/vcf/)
- [.sql — SQL Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sql/)
- [.ics — iCalendar Event](https://atoneplace.net/file/ics/)
- [.sqlite — SQLite Database](https://atoneplace.net/file/sqlite/)
- [.db — Generic Database File](https://atoneplace.net/file/db/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)