Is the File Format Detector free to use?

Yes. The File Format Detector is free and works without creating an account.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. The File Format Detector runs entirely inside your web browser using built-in browser technology, so your files never leave your device.

Is there a file size limit?

Files up to 50 MB are supported. Very large images (over 64 megapixels) are rejected to keep your browser responsive.

Does it work on phones and tablets?

Yes. It works in modern mobile browsers on Android and iOS as well as on desktop.

Detect a File's Real Format

Identify a file's real format from its binary signature and spot mismatched extensions.

Input:: Any file
Max size:: 50 MB
Runs:: In your browser (no upload)

What the File Format Detector does

Identify what a file really is from its contents rather than its extension. Helpful for files without an extension or with the wrong one, such as a WebP saved as .jpg.

Good to know

Detection covers common image, video, audio, document and archive formats; rare formats may show as unknown.

How to use the File Format Detector

1
Drag a file into the upload area, or click it to choose a file from your device.
2
Adjust the options to suit your needs — the defaults work well for most files.
3
Click “Run File Format Detector” to start processing.
4
Review the results shown below, and copy any values you need.

Frequently asked questions

Base64 Encoder

Encode text (UTF-8) or any file into Base64, with an optional URL-safe alphabet.

Hash Generator

Calculate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 checksums of text or files.

QR Code Generator

Create QR codes for links or text, with custom colors, size and error correction, as PNG or SVG.

QR Code Scanner

Read the content of a QR code from a screenshot or photo.

Base64 Decoder

Decode Base64 or data URIs back to readable text or a downloadable file.

URL Encoder

Percent-encode text for safe use in URLs and query strings.