---
title: ".rpm file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .rpm file is a RPM Package. The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/rpm/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .rpm files

**.rpm file: RPM Package**

The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.

## What opens a .rpm file

- **Windows:** 7-Zip (to inspect contents only)
- **macOS:** The Unarchiver (to inspect contents only)
- **Linux:** Software Install (built in on Fedora/openSUSE), dnf install ./file.rpm, rpm -i

## What a .rpm file is

RPM is the Red Hat package format, installed with dnf, rpm or the desktop software centre. Like .deb it carries dependency metadata, and the two are not interchangeable — alien can convert between them, with mixed results. A package built for one distribution release often refuses to install on another because the library versions it names do not match.

## Converting it

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

## Details

- **Extension:** .rpm
- **Full name:** RPM Package
- **Category:** Programs and installers
- **MIME type:** application/x-rpm
- **Created by:** Red Hat
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .rpm 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 Fedora/openSUSE). The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.

### What is a .rpm file?

RPM Package. RPM is the Red Hat package format, installed with dnf, rpm or the desktop software centre. Like .deb it carries dependency metadata, and the two are not interchangeable — alien can convert between them, with mixed results.

### Can I convert a .rpm file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .deb, .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/)
- [.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/)
- [.ipa — iOS Application Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/ipa/)
- [.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/)