AniSmall
AniSmall for iOS
Convert and compress videos/audios.
OPEN
Wondershare UniConverter
The complete video toolbox to convert, compress, edit videos, burn DVDs, and much more.
  • Convert videos to any format at 120X faster speed.
  • Edit videos by trimming, cropping, adding effects, and subtitles.
  • Compress your video or audio files without quality loss.

DAT File - What Is a DAT File and How Do I Open It

DAT files are some of the most complex file formats around. That's because the filename extension doesn't specify whether it contains a picture, video, audio, or text. But fret not because we'll teach you how to open a DAT file quickly and easily in this post. Besides introducing you to the best DAT file reader, we'll also show you how to convert DAT to MP4 with lossless quality.

How to play and convert DAT file?

Try UniConverter for free now - Play and Convert DAT files effortlessly.

Part 1. What's a DAT File?

DAT is a generic data file that saves application-specific data. In other words, this file is mainly used for application support, meaning there is no specific structure and protocol for files with a .dat extension.

Take this example; if you have a .txt or .ppt file, you'll know that you can open and view it with Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint. But on the other hand, a .dat file has no specific application for opening it. This means DAT or DAV files can contain anything, from video and audio to images and graphics. Read on to learn how to open a DAT file.

How to play and convert DAT file?

Try UniConverter for free now - Play and Convert DAT files effortlessly.

Part 2. 3 Ways to Open DAT File [Verified]

Method 1. View text-based DAT files with a text editor

open dat file on text editor

Sometimes, your DAT file can be text-based, which is very common, by the way. In that case, a text editor like Notepad for Windows PCs or TextEdit for Mac is all you need to open a DAT file. Right-click your DAT file, choose "Open With," and select Notepad or TextEdit. If it's a text-based file, you'll see all the texts inside the file.

Note: There are chances that the DAT file might not contain texts. If that's the case, you'll see many "NUL" references.

Method 2. Using the original software that created the file

DAT files are only opened using the actual program that created them in most cases. Interestingly, many programs can create and open a DAT file. A good example is Mojang Minecraft for Mac, Windows or Linux. Right-click the DAT file, select "Open with," and choose Mojang Minecraft.

open dat file online

It's also worth noting that you can receive a winmail.dat file email attachment. In that case, you can easily open your .dat file on Winmaildat.com. Just upload the DAT file on the website and then press Start to view the contents.

Method 3. Use a DAT-supported media player

open dat file on free media player

If you still can't open and view the DAT file, it might be because it contains video content. Therefore, use a DAT-compatible media player like Wondershare Free Media Player. With this program, you can open more than 1,000 file formats, including DAV, DV, OGV, MTS, 3GP, 3G2, etc. This media player also supports DAT playback with local subtitle and audio files and can grab a screenshot of the movie moments. Above all, it packs other features like a video editor, converter, downloader, DVD burner, screen recorder, etc.

open dat file on vlc

Apart from UniConverter, you can also open DAT format using VLC Player. It's a handy, open-source desktop program that lets you open most video formats and codecs on Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone, and Android. Besides opening DAT files, VLC also houses an online video streamer, screen recorder, and media converter. Essentially, you can convert DAT to MP4 and enjoy smooth playback on PC or mobile.

How to play and convert DAT file?

Try UniConverter for free now - Play and Convert DAT files effortlessly.

Part 3. How to Convert DAT to MP4

As said initially, it's best to convert your DAT file extension to something more universally acceptable like MP4, AVI, or MOV. Again, Wondershare UniConverter is perfect for this task. You can convert DAT to MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, MTS, DV, AVCHD, and other formats. Also, you can convert DAT to device-ready formats like iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Samsung TV, PlayStation, Xbox, etc. Another thing, UniConverter lets you edit your DAT video by splitting, trimming, copying, cropping, deleting, etc.

Let's convert DAT to MP4!

Step 1 Upload your DAT video on the Converter window.

dat file to mp4 load video

Launch Wondershare UniConverter and then tap the Converter tab. Then, click Add Files to load the DAT file or simply drag and drop DAT on the workspace. Remember that you convert multiple DAT files concurrently.

Step 2 Edit the DAT video (optional).

dat file to mp4 edit video

Does your DAT file need some polishing before converting? If yes, press the Trim, Crop, or Effect icon to edit it. For example, you can trim out unwanted video sections and rearrange some clips before merging.

Step 3 Convert DAT to MP4 losslessly.

dat file to mp4 convert video

If satisfied with the quick edits, press Output Format, tap Video, and choose MP4. You can also select a new resolution for your video. Lastly, set a File Location at the bottom of the window and press Start All. It's done!

wondershare uniconverter 13

Wondershare UniConverter — All-in-one Video Toolbox for Windows and Mac.

safe mov video converter free download Security Verified. 3,591,664 people have downloaded it.

Edit videos on Mac by trimming, cropping, adding effects, and subtitles.

Converter videos to any format at 90X faster speed.

Compress your video or audio files without quality loss.

Excellent smart trimmer for cutting and splitting videos automatically.

Nice AI-enabled subtitle editor for adding subtitles to your tutorial videos automatically.

Download any online video for teaching from more than 10,000 platforms and sites.

Part 4. FAQs bout DAT File

1. How do I open a DAT file in Windows 10?

You can open a DAT file on Windows 10 PC using the inbuilt Notepad text editor. But that's only if your DAT file contains text content. You can also use the Winmaildat.com website to view your DAT email attachments and VLC or Wondershare Media Player to play the DAT file. However, it's best to convert DAT video to MP4 to avoid running into headwinds when you want to open it.

2. How can I convert DAT to PDF?

You can easily convert DAT to PDF on mobile or PC using AnyConv. It's a simple website that lets you change DAT to PDF with two simple clicks. Launch the DAT to PDF converter, upload your DAT file, choose PDF, and convert.

3. How can I open DAT on Mac?

On Mac, you can open a DAT file using the inbuilt TextEdit. Just right-click the DAT file, tap Open With, and choose TextEdit. Besides this trackpad, you can also use VLC or Wondershare Media Player to open DAT videos on Mac. And of course, use the Winmaildat.com website to view DAT files online.

4. Can VLC play DAV files?

VLC can play most video/audio formats, including DAT. If the file cant's open, then the content could be text data, or it's a corrupt DAT file. But overall, VLC can open DAT without any glitches.

How to play and convert DAT file?

Try UniConverter for free now - Play and Convert DAT files effortlessly.

Conclusion

Up to here, you should open a .DAT file quickly and easily. If you can't open it on your media player, try opening it with Notepad or TextEdit. And lest I forget, use Wondershare UniConverter to edit and convert your videos to pretty much anything.

You may also like
DV File - What Is a DV File and How Do I Open It

You’ll learn what a DV file is and the best DV player for desktops in this post. You’ll also know the best methods to convert camcorder tape files to digital video formats like MP4 and AVI.

TP/TRP/TS File - What Is a TP/TRP/TS File and How Do I Open It

Are you struggling to open your TS, TP, or TRP file? This post reviews the best TP player programs for desktops. You’ll also learn how to convert TS file to MP4 for uninterrupted playback easily.

MOD/TOD File - What Is a MOD/TOD File and How Do I Open It

Want to know what a MOD/TOD file is and the best MOD player for Mac and Windows PCs? This guidepost has all the answers to these queries and many more.

MXF File - What Is a MXF File and How Do I Open It

Are you wondering what is MXF file, what do they contain, and how to open them? Learn all about this file format and ways to access it.

WTV File - What Is a WTV File and How Do I Open It

Have WTV files on your system that you are unable to open or play? We will help you to know all about this file format how to play and how to convert WTV to MP4 in a hassle-free manner.

VRO File - What Is a VRO File and How Do I Open It

Have some VRO files on your system that you are having trouble opening and playing? No worries as we are here to help you learn all about what VRO files are, how to open them, and the best ways to make them compatible with regular players.

DVR-MS File - What Is a DVR-MS File and How Do I Open It

This post discusses what a DVR-MS file is and how to open a DVR video on Mac/Windows computers. We'll also Find out why Windows Media Player can't open your DVR-MS video.

Other popular articles from Wondershare