Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.DJVU
File Type
DjVu Document
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .djvu file format
DjVu (pronounced "déjà vu") is a file format primarily designed for storing scanned documents, especially those containing text, photographs, and line art. It excels at compressing high-resolution images into relatively small file sizes, making it ideal for archiving and distributing documents onl…
File extension
.DJVU
File type
DjVu Document
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .djvu file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .djvu.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .djvu file?
File extension details and usage information
DjVu (pronounced "déjà vu") is a file format primarily designed for storing scanned documents, especially those containing text, photographs, and line art. It excels at compressing high-resolution images into relatively small file sizes, making it ideal for archiving and distributing documents online. DjVu achieves this compression through a combination of techniques, including wavelet-based image compression, separation of text and background layers, and lossy compression for the background and lossless compression for the text. This allows for clear and readable text even at high compression ratios. DjVu is often used for scanned books, manuals, and other documents where image quality and file size are important considerations. It supports features like searchable text, hyperlinks, and annotations, making it a versatile format for document management and distribution. While PDF has become more dominant, DjVu remains a viable option, particularly for older scanned documents or when extremely small file sizes are required.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .djvu files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .djvu files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .djvu 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 .djvu file.
Why can't I open a .djvu file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .djvu 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 .djvu files
To open a .djvu file, use software that supports this file format.
- DjVuLibre
- WinDjView
- STDU Viewer
- Evince
- Sumatra PDF (with plugin)
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 .djvu 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.