---
title: ".py file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .py file is a Python Source. A Python program in plain text — needs the Python interpreter to run. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/py/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .py files

**.py file: Python Source**

A Python program in plain text — needs the Python interpreter to run.

## What opens a .py file

- **Windows:** Visual Studio Code, IDLE (with Python), PyCharm, Notepad (built in)
- **macOS:** Visual Studio Code, IDLE (with Python), PyCharm, TextEdit (built in)
- **Linux:** Visual Studio Code, Text Editor (built in), PyCharm
- **In a browser:** Google Colab, Replit

## What a .py file is

Python is the language of data science, scripting and much of modern automation. A .py file is readable text; running it needs Python installed, which macOS and Linux usually have and Windows does not by default — the Microsoft Store version is the simplest fix. Double-clicking on Windows runs the script in a console window that closes instantly when it finishes, which is why beginners think nothing happened.

## Converting it

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

## Details

- **Extension:** .py
- **Full name:** Python Source
- **Category:** Code and scripts
- **MIME type:** text/x-python
- **Created by:** Python Software Foundation
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

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

On Windows use Visual Studio Code; on macOS use Visual Studio Code; on Linux use Visual Studio Code. A Python program in plain text — needs the Python interpreter to run.

### What is a .py file?

Python Source. Python is the language of data science, scripting and much of modern automation. A .py file is readable text; running it needs Python installed, which macOS and Linux usually have and Windows does not by default — the Microsoft Store version is the simplest fix.

### Can I convert a .py file?

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

## Related pages

- [.html — HyperText Markup Language](https://atoneplace.net/file/html/)
- [.js — JavaScript Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/js/)
- [.css — Cascading Style Sheet](https://atoneplace.net/file/css/)
- [.java — Java Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/java/)
- [.tsx — TypeScript Source (JSX)](https://atoneplace.net/file/tsx/)
- [.cpp — C++ Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/cpp/)
- [.php — PHP Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/php/)
- [.c — C Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/c/)
- [.cs — C# Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/cs/)
- [.go — Go Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/go/)
- [.rs — Rust Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/rs/)
- [.rb — Ruby Source](https://atoneplace.net/file/rb/)

## Sources

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