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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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Part 4. FAQs bout DAT File

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.