File Extension Database

Open DAT File

File Extension DAT is used by generic data files which may be generated by any application. As there is no defined structure for DAT files, it can be very difficult to determine the application which originally created the file let alone open it and understand its contents.

DAT files may contain data in text or binary format, and their contents vary depending on application. DAT files are specific to the application which created it, and will have its own defined file structure which is necessary to successfully read the file, particularly if the data stored is in binary format. There are a number of clues which can reveal the identity of the required application, such as the name and location of the DAT file, as they are often stored in user profile or program folders. DAT files can also store data in plaintext, and can therefore be opened and read using a text editor. However, some DAT files may be particularly large and store binary data, and so opening these will take time and may reveal little or no information about the application which created it.

A common example of a DAT file is Winmail.DAT. When Microsoft Exchange Server forwards a message containing Rich Text Formatting (File extension RTF), the information is appended to the E-Mail in a DAT file. If the recipient is not using an E-Mail client which supports RTF messages, instead of using the file to provide formatting to the E-Mails contents, the information simply appears as an attachment.

There is an extensive list of applications which use or have used DAT files, though several more common users of this file type include Microsoft Visual Studio and Internet Explorer, Nullsoft Winamp, Corel WordPerfect and Pitney Bowes Mapinfo. However, even if the application which created the the file is known, it is not guaranteed to be able to open DAT file as few applications support DAT as a native file type.

Typical DAT application file locations:

notepad.exe

Frequently associated Windows objects:

data-file

How Can I Open DAT File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open DAT file is to find a DAT file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DAT file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open DAT file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as DAT file opener then try to search online for "DAT viewer", "application to open DAT file" or "open DAT file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open DAT file

How Can I Open DAT File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a DAT file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DAT file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with DAT file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as DAT file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open DAT file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open DAT file then try to search for "DAT viewer", "application to open DAT file" or "read DAT file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read DAT file

How Can I Open DAT File on Android

If you downloaded a DAT file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded DAT file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "DAT".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "DAT viewer", "DAT file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open DAT File on iPhone or iPad

To open DAT File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the DAT file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "DAT". This way you can find apps which can open DAT files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "DAT viewer" or "DAT file" online in your favorite search engine.