32 catalogued formats
Executable & Binary Formats
Executable files contain machine code, resources, and platform-specific metadata. They are not document formats and should not be treated as interchangeable. Windows PE, Linux ELF, and macOS Mach-O use different structures, and an extension change does not convert one into another.
Why this format suite matters
- Platform and architecture matter more than the file extension.
- Executable files are a security-sensitive download category and should come from trusted sources.
- Changing a binary container requires platform-specific build and packaging tools, not a simple converter.
Common formats in this suite
A sample of the catalog. Not every extension has a live converter.
| Format | Extension | MIME | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux Shared Object | .so | application/x-sharedlib | SO executable format |
| macOS Dynamic Library | .dylib | application/x-mach-binary | DYLIB executable format |
| A | .a | application/octet-stream | A executable format |
| APP | .app | application/octet-stream | APP executable format |
| APPX | .appx | application/octet-stream | APPX executable format |
| APPXBUNDLE | .appxbundle | application/octet-stream | APPXBUNDLE executable format |
| CLASS | .class | application/octet-stream | CLASS executable format |
| COFF | .coff | application/octet-stream | COFF executable format |
| DEX | .dex | application/octet-stream | DEX executable format |
| FLAT | .flat | application/octet-stream | FLAT executable format |
| IPA | .ipa | application/octet-stream | IPA executable format |
| LIB | .lib | application/octet-stream | LIB executable format |
| MACH | .mach | application/octet-stream | MACH executable format |
| MSIX | .msix | application/octet-stream | MSIX executable format |
| MSU | .msu | application/octet-stream | MSU executable format |
| NDS | .nds | application/octet-stream | NDS executable format |
| NES | .nes | application/octet-stream | NES executable format |
| O | .o | application/octet-stream | O executable format |
| OCX | .ocx | application/octet-stream | OCX executable format |
| PE | .pe | application/octet-stream | PE executable format |
| PRX | .prx | application/octet-stream | PRX executable format |
| PYC | .pyc | application/octet-stream | PYC executable format |
| PYO | .pyo | application/octet-stream | PYO executable format |
| SCR | .scr | application/octet-stream | SCR executable format |
| SELF | .self | application/octet-stream | SELF executable format |
| SMC | .smc | application/octet-stream | SMC executable format |
Showing 26 of 32 catalogued formats. Use the converter directory for supported tools.
Common workflows
Software distribution
Use the installer format expected by the target operating system.
Library inspection
Inspect dependencies and architecture before deploying a binary.
Security review
Hash and scan files before execution.
Before you convert
Start with the application that must open the result. Use the installer format expected by the target operating system. Keep the original file until the output has been opened and checked. A format name alone does not guarantee compatibility, especially for executable & binary formats data that may include references, layers, or platform-specific metadata.
- Confirm the source file opens correctly in its original application.
- Identify the exact format and version the destination accepts.
- Keep the source until the converted file has been reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
- Can an EXE be converted to a Linux binary?
- No. Executables are platform-specific compiled artifacts. Rebuilding from source is the normal path.
- Is it safe to open an executable from email?
- Treat unexpected executables as unsafe. Verify the sender and scan the file before running it.
- What is a DLL?
- A DLL is a Windows library loaded by other programs. It is not a standalone application in most cases.
- Does this site convert executables?
- No executable conversion is promised here. This suite is a format reference and safety overview.
- What should I check before converting a executable & binary formats file?
- Confirm that the source opens in its original application, identify the format the destination requires, and keep an untouched copy. Test one representative file before processing a batch, especially when metadata, links, geometry, or layout matters.