---
title: ".deb file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .deb file is a Debian Software Package. The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/deb/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .deb files

**.deb file: Debian Software Package**

The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.

## What opens a .deb file

- **Windows:** 7-Zip (to inspect contents only)
- **macOS:** The Unarchiver (to inspect contents only)
- **Linux:** Software Install (built in on Debian/Ubuntu), apt install ./file.deb, GDebi

## What a .deb file is

A .deb bundles compiled software with metadata describing its dependencies, installed by dpkg or apt. Double-clicking opens it in the desktop software installer on Ubuntu and similar systems; apt install ./file.deb does the same from a terminal and resolves dependencies. It will not install on Fedora or macOS, and on Windows the only thing to do with one is open it as an archive to look inside.

## Converting it

A .deb file is commonly converted to .rpm, .tar or .zip. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .deb
- **Full name:** Debian Software Package
- **Category:** Programs and installers
- **MIME type:** application/vnd.debian.binary-package
- **Created by:** Debian Project
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

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

On Windows use 7-Zip (to inspect contents only); on macOS use The Unarchiver (to inspect contents only); on Linux use Software Install (built in on Debian/Ubuntu). The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.

### What is a .deb file?

Debian Software Package. A .deb bundles compiled software with metadata describing its dependencies, installed by dpkg or apt. Double-clicking opens it in the desktop software installer on Ubuntu and similar systems; apt install ./file.deb does the same from a terminal and resolves dependencies.

### Can I convert a .deb file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .rpm, .tar or .zip, 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/)
- [.jar — Java Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/jar/)
- [.bat — Windows Batch File](https://atoneplace.net/file/bat/)
- [.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/)