---
title: ".ipa file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .ipa file is an iOS Application Archive. An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channels. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/ipa/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .ipa files

**.ipa file: iOS Application Archive**

An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channels.

## What opens a .ipa file

- **Windows:** 7-Zip (to inspect contents), iMazing (to install to a device)
- **macOS:** Apple Configurator, iMazing, Archive Utility (built in, to inspect)
- **Linux:** unzip (to inspect contents)

## What a .ipa file is

An IPA is a ZIP archive containing a compiled iOS app bundle. Apple's code signing means you cannot simply double-click one to install it: it has to be delivered through the App Store, Apple Configurator, TestFlight, or an enterprise or developer signing profile. Renaming it to .zip lets you browse the contents, which is all a normal computer can usefully do with one.

## Converting it

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

## Details

- **Extension:** .ipa
- **Full name:** iOS Application Archive
- **Category:** Programs and installers
- **Created by:** Apple
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

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

On Windows use 7-Zip (to inspect contents); on macOS use Apple Configurator; on Linux use unzip (to inspect contents). An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channels.

### What is a .ipa file?

iOS Application Archive. An IPA is a ZIP archive containing a compiled iOS app bundle. Apple's code signing means you cannot simply double-click one to install it: it has to be delivered through the App Store, Apple Configurator, TestFlight, or an enterprise or developer signing profile.

### Can I convert a .ipa file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .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/)
- [.deb — Debian Software Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/deb/)
- [.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/)
- [.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/)