---
title: ".vmdk file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .vmdk file is a Virtual Machine Disk. VMware's virtual hard disk — the contents of a whole virtual computer. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/vmdk/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .vmdk files

**.vmdk file: Virtual Machine Disk**

VMware's virtual hard disk — the contents of a whole virtual computer.

## What opens a .vmdk file

- **Windows:** VMware Workstation Player, Oracle VirtualBox, 7-Zip (to browse files)
- **macOS:** VMware Fusion, Oracle VirtualBox, UTM
- **Linux:** Oracle VirtualBox, QEMU / virt-manager, guestfish

## What a .vmdk file is

VMDK is the virtual disk format VMware created and later published, also readable by VirtualBox, QEMU and most other hypervisors. It represents a complete hard drive, sometimes split across several files, and belongs to a virtual machine rather than being opened on its own. To get files out without booting the VM, 7-Zip on Windows or guestfish and qemu-nbd on Linux can mount the image.

## Converting it

A .vmdk file is commonly converted to .vdi, .qcow2, .vhd or .iso. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .vmdk
- **Full name:** Virtual Machine Disk
- **Category:** Disk images
- **Created by:** VMware
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

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

On Windows use VMware Workstation Player; on macOS use VMware Fusion; on Linux use Oracle VirtualBox. VMware's virtual hard disk — the contents of a whole virtual computer.

### What is a .vmdk file?

Virtual Machine Disk. VMDK is the virtual disk format VMware created and later published, also readable by VirtualBox, QEMU and most other hypervisors. It represents a complete hard drive, sometimes split across several files, and belongs to a virtual machine rather than being opened on its own.

### Can I convert a .vmdk file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .vdi, .qcow2, .vhd or .iso, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.iso — ISO Disc Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/iso/)
- [.dmg — Apple Disk Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/dmg/)
- [.cue — Cue Sheet](https://atoneplace.net/file/cue/)

## Sources

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