Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.PARQUET
File Type
Apache Parquet
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .parquet file format
Apache Parquet is a columnar storage format optimized for use with big data processing frameworks. Unlike row-oriented formats, Parquet stores data by columns, which allows for efficient data compression and encoding. This columnar storage enables query engines to retrieve only the necessary column…
File extension
.PARQUET
File type
Apache Parquet
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .parquet file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .parquet.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .parquet file?
File extension details and usage information
Apache Parquet is a columnar storage format optimized for use with big data processing frameworks. Unlike row-oriented formats, Parquet stores data by columns, which allows for efficient data compression and encoding. This columnar storage enables query engines to retrieve only the necessary columns for a given query, significantly reducing I/O and improving query performance. Parquet is designed to be self-describing, meaning that the schema is embedded within the data file itself. This eliminates the need for external metadata stores and simplifies data management. It supports a wide range of data types and complex nested structures. Parquet is widely used in data warehousing, data lakes, and other big data applications where efficient data storage and retrieval are critical. Its integration with popular frameworks like Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Presto makes it a versatile choice for data processing pipelines. The format is designed for both read and write operations, although it is often used in scenarios where data is written once and read many times (write-once, read-many).
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .parquet files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .parquet files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .parquet 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 .parquet file.
Why can't I open a .parquet file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .parquet 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 .parquet files
To open a .parquet file, use software that supports this file format.
- Apache Drill
- Dremio
- Python (with libraries like Pandas, PyArrow)
- R (with libraries like arrow)
- Tableau
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 .parquet 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.