---
title: ".db file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .db file is a Generic Database File. An extension many programs use for their data — it does not identify one format. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/db/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .db files

**.db file: Generic Database File**

An extension many programs use for their data — it does not identify one format.

## What opens a .db file

- **Windows:** DB Browser for SQLite, DBeaver, the application that created it
- **macOS:** DB Browser for SQLite, DBeaver, the application that created it
- **Linux:** DB Browser for SQLite, DBeaver, file (to identify it)

## What a .db file is

A .db file could be SQLite, Berkeley DB, a Windows thumbnail cache or an application's private store; the extension tells you nothing. Most of the time it is SQLite, and DB Browser for SQLite will open it — if it refuses, the file is something else. Never edit an application's .db while the program is running, because half-written changes corrupt it.

## Converting it

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

## Details

- **Extension:** .db
- **Full name:** Generic Database File
- **Category:** Data
- **Created by:** Various
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

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

On Windows use DB Browser for SQLite; on macOS use DB Browser for SQLite; on Linux use DB Browser for SQLite. An extension many programs use for their data — it does not identify one format.

### What is a .db file?

Generic Database File. A .db file could be SQLite, Berkeley DB, a Windows thumbnail cache or an application's private store; the extension tells you nothing. Most of the time it is SQLite, and DB Browser for SQLite will open it — if it refuses, the file is something else.

### Can I convert a .db file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .sql, .csv or .sqlite, 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/)
- [.bin — Binary File](https://atoneplace.net/file/bin/)

## Sources

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