Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.GEOPACKAGE
File Type
GeoPackage
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .geopackage file format
GeoPackage is an open, standards-based, platform-independent, portable, self-describing, and compact format for transferring geospatial information. It is defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). A GeoPackage file is essentially a SQLite database container that can store vector features, ti…
File extension
.GEOPACKAGE
File type
GeoPackage
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .geopackage file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .geopackage.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .geopackage file?
File extension details and usage information
GeoPackage is an open, standards-based, platform-independent, portable, self-describing, and compact format for transferring geospatial information. It is defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). A GeoPackage file is essentially a SQLite database container that can store vector features, tile matrix sets of imagery and raster maps, and non-spatial attributes. It's designed to be a single file that can be easily shared and used across different platforms and software. GeoPackage is particularly useful for mobile applications, offline data access, and interoperability between different GIS systems. It supports both vector and raster data, making it a versatile format for various geospatial applications. The format is designed to be efficient for storage and retrieval of geospatial data, making it suitable for large datasets. It is also designed to be easily extensible, allowing for the addition of new data types and features as needed. GeoPackage is becoming increasingly popular as a standard format for geospatial data due to its open nature, portability, and versatility.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .geopackage files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .geopackage files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .geopackage 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 .geopackage file.
Why can't I open a .geopackage file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .geopackage 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 .geopackage files
To open a .geopackage file, use software that supports this file format.
- QGIS
- ArcGIS Pro
- Global Mapper
- GDAL
- GeoPackage Viewer
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 .geopackage 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.