Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.PYO
File Type
Compiled Python File
Category
Executable
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .pyo file format
A .pyo file is a compiled version of a Python source code file (.py). It's created when Python is run with the `-O` or `-OO` optimization flags. These flags instruct the Python interpreter to perform some optimizations during compilation, such as removing assert statements and docstrings (with `-OO…
File extension
.PYO
File type
Compiled Python File
Category
Executable
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .pyo file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .pyo.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .pyo file?
File extension details and usage information
A .pyo file is a compiled version of a Python source code file (.py). It's created when Python is run with the -O or -OO optimization flags. These flags instruct the Python interpreter to perform some optimizations during compilation, such as removing assert statements and docstrings (with -OO). The resulting .pyo file contains bytecode, which is a lower-level representation of the Python code that can be executed by the Python Virtual Machine (PVM). Using .pyo files can potentially improve the startup time of Python programs, as the compilation step is already done. However, the performance gains are often negligible in modern Python implementations. .pyo files are specific to the Python version used to compile them, and they are not human-readable. They are typically used in conjunction with .pyc files (which are created without optimization) to distribute compiled Python code. Note that with Python 3.5 and later, .pyo files are replaced by .pyc files stored in the __pycache__ directory, and the optimization level is indicated within the .pyc file's name (e.g., .opt-1.pyc).
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .pyo 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 .pyo files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .pyo 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 .pyo file.
Why can't I open a .pyo file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .pyo 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 .pyo files
To open a .pyo file, use software that supports this file format.
- Python Interpreter
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 .pyo 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.