---
title: ".sh file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .sh file is a Shell Script. A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/sh/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .sh files

**.sh file: Shell Script**

A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.

## What opens a .sh file

- **Windows:** Git Bash, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Notepad (built in — to read)
- **macOS:** Terminal (built in — bash script.sh), TextEdit (built in — to read)
- **Linux:** Terminal (built in — bash script.sh), Text Editor (built in)

## What a .sh file is

Shell scripts automate command-line work on macOS, Linux and any Unix system. To run one you normally make it executable with chmod +x and call it as ./script.sh, or run bash script.sh directly. As with any script it is plain text — read it before running something you downloaded, particularly the ones that pipe a web download straight into a shell.

## Converting it

A .sh file is commonly converted to .bat, .ps1 or .txt. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .sh
- **Full name:** Shell Script
- **Category:** Programs and installers
- **MIME type:** application/x-sh
- **Created by:** Unix shell convention
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

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

On Windows use Git Bash; on macOS use Terminal (built in — bash script.sh); on Linux use Terminal (built in — bash script.sh). A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.

### What is a .sh file?

Shell Script. Shell scripts automate command-line work on macOS, Linux and any Unix system. To run one you normally make it executable with chmod +x and call it as ./script.sh, or run bash script.sh directly.

### Can I convert a .sh file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .bat, .ps1 or .txt, 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/)
- [.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/)
- [.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/)