---
title: ".sql file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .sql file is a SQL Script. A text file of database commands — often a full database dump. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/sql/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .sql files

**.sql file: SQL Script**

A text file of database commands — often a full database dump.

## What opens a .sql file

- **Windows:** DBeaver, Visual Studio Code, SQL Server Management Studio, Notepad (built in)
- **macOS:** DBeaver, Visual Studio Code, TablePlus
- **Linux:** DBeaver, Visual Studio Code, psql / mysql (command line)

## What a .sql file is

A .sql file holds SQL statements, usually either a schema definition or an entire database export produced by mysqldump or pg_dump. It is plain text, so a small one opens in any editor, but a dump of a real database can be gigabytes and will hang a graphical editor. You run it against a database with the mysql or psql command line, phpMyAdmin, or a tool such as DBeaver.

## Converting it

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

## Details

- **Extension:** .sql
- **Full name:** SQL Script
- **Category:** Data
- **MIME type:** application/sql
- **Created by:** ISO/IEC 9075 (SQL standard)
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

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

On Windows use DBeaver; on macOS use DBeaver; on Linux use DBeaver. A text file of database commands — often a full database dump.

### What is a .sql file?

SQL Script. A .sql file holds SQL statements, usually either a schema definition or an entire database export produced by mysqldump or pg_dump. It is plain text, so a small one opens in any editor, but a dump of a real database can be gigabytes and will hang a graphical editor.

### Can I convert a .sql file?

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

## Related pages

- [.csv — Comma-Separated Values](https://atoneplace.net/file/csv/)
- [.json — JavaScript Object Notation](https://atoneplace.net/file/json/)
- [.xml — Extensible Markup Language](https://atoneplace.net/file/xml/)
- [.yaml — YAML Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/yaml/)
- [.log — Log File](https://atoneplace.net/file/log/)
- [.torrent — BitTorrent Metainfo File](https://atoneplace.net/file/torrent/)
- [.dat — Generic Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/dat/)
- [.vcf — vCard Contact File](https://atoneplace.net/file/vcf/)
- [.ics — iCalendar Event](https://atoneplace.net/file/ics/)
- [.sqlite — SQLite Database](https://atoneplace.net/file/sqlite/)
- [.db — Generic Database File](https://atoneplace.net/file/db/)
- [.bin — Binary File](https://atoneplace.net/file/bin/)

## Sources

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