---
title: ".avro file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .avro file is an Apache Avro. A row-based binary data format that carries its own schema in the file. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/avro/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .avro files

**.avro file: Apache Avro**

A row-based binary data format that carries its own schema in the file.

## What opens a .avro file

- **Windows:** Apache Avro tools (Java), DuckDB (avro extension), Python (fastavro)
- **macOS:** Apache Avro tools (Java), DuckDB (avro extension), Python (fastavro)
- **Linux:** Apache Avro tools (Java), DuckDB (avro extension), Python (fastavro)

## What a .avro file is

Avro is the Apache serialisation format used heavily with Kafka and Hadoop, where every file embeds the schema so readers can evolve independently of writers. Being row-oriented it suits streaming and appends, where Parquet suits analytics. There is no consumer application for it: Avro tools, DuckDB or a Python or Java library are how you read one.

## Converting it

A .avro file is commonly converted to .json, .csv or .parquet. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .avro
- **Full name:** Apache Avro
- **Category:** Data
- **Created by:** Apache Software Foundation
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

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

On Windows use Apache Avro tools (Java); on macOS use Apache Avro tools (Java); on Linux use Apache Avro tools (Java). A row-based binary data format that carries its own schema in the file.

### What is a .avro file?

Apache Avro. Avro is the Apache serialisation format used heavily with Kafka and Hadoop, where every file embeds the schema so readers can evolve independently of writers. Being row-oriented it suits streaming and appends, where Parquet suits analytics.

### Can I convert a .avro file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .json, .csv or .parquet, 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/)