How to Open Unusual File Formats
A .dav from a security camera. A .parquet from a data team. A .cbz of old comics. Here's how to open odd files without hunting for a new app each time.
Quick Answer
- ✓FileHop opens over 100 file types in one free app, from camera RAW and Photoshop to Parquet and comic archives.
- ✓Nothing is uploaded, which matters for security footage, client work and private documents.
- ✓Opening isn't always editing. Some formats preview only, and we've noted which below.
Why won't this file open?
Your computer opens a file by matching its extension to an installed app. Specialist formats often have no match, because they come from cameras, security systems, 3D tools or data pipelines. So you search online, and land on an upload site or a single-purpose installer you'll use once.
Uploading is a poor fit for a lot of these files. They can be huge, like footage from a camcorder, or sensitive, like CCTV clips and client designs. An app that reads them on your computer avoids both problems. It also means one install instead of ten.
How to open a file with FileHop
FileHop is a file browser, so opening a file works the way you'd expect.
Download FileHop
It's free for Mac and Windows, with no account.
Go to your file
Open the folder in FileHop and click the file to preview it.
Convert it if you need to
Open Tools and convert to a common format, such as MP4, PNG, JPG or CSV.
Send it on
Your original stays untouched, and the new copy is ready to share.
A few formats depend on your system: JPEG XL, ICNS and some unusual PSD files work on Mac only. Legacy .doc and .ppt files aren't fully supported, and ODT and RTF are preview only.
By type of file
Here's a sample of what FileHop reads.
Images and design
Camera RAW (CR3, NEF, ARW, DNG, RAF, RW2 and 17 more), PSD, PSB, EXR, HDR, TGA, DDS, QOI, JPEG 2000, Netpbm, HEIC and AVIF.
Video and audio
Over 40 video formats including MKV, VOB, M2TS, MTS, DAV, MXF, FLV, RMVB and 3GP, and about 35 audio formats including FLAC, Opus, APE and WMA.
Data, archives and books
Parquet, JSONL, TSV, ODS and XLSM. Archives including 7z, tar.zst and RAR (browse only). EPUB, plus CBZ, CBR and CB7 comics.
Common odd files
Where these files come from, and what FileHop does with them.
| File | Where it comes from | In FileHop |
|---|---|---|
| .dav | Security cameras and DVRs | Play and convert to MP4 |
| .m2ts, .mts | AVCHD camcorders | Play and convert |
| .vob | DVD video folders | Play and convert |
| .parquet | Data pipelines | View, filter, convert |
| .psd, .exr | Design and 3D work | Preview and convert |
| .cbz, .cbr | Comic archives | Read |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open a file with an unknown extension?
Search for the extension to learn what made it, then open it in an app that supports the format. FileHop covers many common cases.
Can FileHop open any file?
No. It covers a very wide range, but not everything. Check the lists on this page.
How do I open a DAV file?
Open it in FileHop to play it, or convert it to MP4 to share it.
How do I open a Parquet file without code?
Click it in FileHop to see it as a table.
Can I open a PSD without Photoshop?
Yes. FileHop previews it as a flattened image and converts it to PNG or JPG. Layers aren't editable.
Can FileHop extract RAR files?
It can browse and preview them. For full extraction, use The Unarchiver or Keka.
Is it safe to open odd files?
Be careful with files from unknown senders, whatever app you use.
Are my files uploaded?
No. FileHop reads them on your computer.
One app for your odd files
Free for Mac and Windows, with no upload.
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