---
title: ".bat file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .bat file is a Windows Batch File. A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/bat/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .bat files

**.bat file: Windows Batch File**

A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.

## What opens a .bat file

- **Windows:** Command Prompt (built in — double-click runs it), Notepad (built in — to read it first), Visual Studio Code
- **macOS:** Any text editor (to read — will not run)
- **Linux:** Any text editor (to read), Wine (to run)

## What a .bat file is

A .bat file is a script for the Windows command interpreter, dating back to DOS. It is readable text, so always open a downloaded one in Notepad and read it before running — double-clicking executes every line immediately with your privileges. Right-click and choose Edit to inspect; the newer .cmd extension behaves almost identically.

## Converting it

A .bat file is commonly converted to .cmd, .ps1, .exe or .txt. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .bat
- **Full name:** Windows Batch File
- **Category:** Programs and installers
- **Created by:** Microsoft
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

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

On Windows use Command Prompt (built in — double-click runs it); on macOS use Any text editor (to read — will not run); on Linux use Any text editor (to read). A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.

### What is a .bat file?

Windows Batch File. A .bat file is a script for the Windows command interpreter, dating back to DOS. It is readable text, so always open a downloaded one in Notepad and read it before running — double-clicking executes every line immediately with your privileges.

### Can I convert a .bat file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .cmd, .ps1, .exe or .txt, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.exe — Windows Executable](https://atoneplace.net/file/exe/)
- [.apk — Android Application Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/apk/)
- [.msi — Windows Installer Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/msi/)
- [.dll — Dynamic Link Library](https://atoneplace.net/file/dll/)
- [.sh — Shell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sh/)
- [.deb — Debian Software Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/deb/)
- [.jar — Java Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/jar/)
- [.pkg — macOS Installer Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/pkg/)
- [.ps1 — PowerShell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/ps1/)
- [.ipa — iOS Application Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/ipa/)
- [.rpm — RPM Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/rpm/)
- [.appimage — AppImage Portable Application](https://atoneplace.net/file/appimage/)

## Sources

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