Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.FEATHER
File Type
Apache Arrow Feather
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .feather file format
The Feather file format is a lightweight, columnar data format designed for fast data transfer between data analysis environments. It's particularly well-suited for use with languages like Python and R. Feather is based on the Apache Arrow columnar memory format, which allows for zero-copy reads an…
File extension
.FEATHER
File type
Apache Arrow Feather
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .feather file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .feather.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .feather file?
File extension details and usage information
The Feather file format is a lightweight, columnar data format designed for fast data transfer between data analysis environments. It's particularly well-suited for use with languages like Python and R. Feather is based on the Apache Arrow columnar memory format, which allows for zero-copy reads and writes, significantly improving performance compared to traditional row-based formats like CSV. The format stores data in a simple, uncompressed manner, focusing on speed rather than storage efficiency. This makes it ideal for situations where data needs to be quickly loaded and processed, such as in interactive data analysis workflows or when passing data between different tools in a data pipeline. Feather files contain metadata describing the data types and structure of the columns, enabling efficient data interpretation. While not intended for long-term archival storage due to the lack of compression, Feather provides a valuable solution for rapid data exchange and manipulation within data science ecosystems.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .feather files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .feather files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .feather file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .feather file.
Why can't I open a .feather file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .feather format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .feather files
To open a .feather file, use software that supports this file format.
- R
- Python (with pandas and pyarrow)
- Apache Arrow libraries
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .feather file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.