Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.OSM
File Type
OpenStreetMap Map
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .osm file format
The OSM file format is a data format used by OpenStreetMap (OSM), a collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world. OSM files store geographic data, including points of interest (POIs), roads, buildings, and other features, represented as nodes, ways, and relations. Nodes are poin…
File extension
.OSM
File type
OpenStreetMap Map
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .osm file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .osm.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .osm file?
File extension details and usage information
The OSM file format is a data format used by OpenStreetMap (OSM), a collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world. OSM files store geographic data, including points of interest (POIs), roads, buildings, and other features, represented as nodes, ways, and relations. Nodes are points with latitude and longitude coordinates. Ways are ordered lists of nodes representing linear features like roads or rivers. Relations are used to group nodes, ways, and other relations to represent more complex features like bus routes or administrative boundaries. The OSM format is typically XML-based, although other formats like Protocolbuffer Binary Format (PBF) are also used for efficiency. OSM data is used in a wide range of applications, including navigation systems, mapping software, and geographic information systems (GIS). The open and collaborative nature of OpenStreetMap makes it a valuable resource for creating and maintaining up-to-date and detailed maps.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .osm files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .osm files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .osm 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 .osm file.
Why can't I open a .osm file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .osm 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 .osm files
To open a .osm file, use software that supports this file format.
- JOSM
- QGIS
- Merkaartor
- Osmosis
- VLC (for some OSM formats)
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 .osm 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.