Opening BEAM Files

The BEAM file type is primarily associated with BEAM.

BEAM	File extension: BEAM
	File type:	compiled code

What is a BEAM file?

BEAM files mostly belong to BEAM by Ericsson. BEAM is the filename extension of bytecode compiled from library (ERL) and header (HRL) files written in Erlang programming language using BEAM compiler. It can be executed by the BEAM virtual machine bundled with the official Erlang development environment. The contents of BEAM files are saved as binary data chunks which isn't human-readable. However, developers can reconstruct source code from BEAM files using the encrypted debug information stored in the file. Erlang is an open source high-level programming environment and language originally developed by Ericsson.

How to open BEAM files

You need a suitable software like BEAM from Ericsson to open a BEAM file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your BEAM file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a BEAM file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online BEAM Text Viewer

Choose your .beam file to analyze

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Online File Viewer

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BEAM file format:

The file format, which is the arrangement and type of data in a file, determines which program can open the file. The file format can be deduced from the file extension and the signature. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. When there is a problem with a file, the first step to solving it is to determine the file format. Our examination of the BEAM files comes to the following conclusion:

The BEAM file type mainly uses a defined BEAM format. But the following two file formats are common:

• 85% of all BEAM files are associated with Compiled Erlang code. They consist of illegible, cryptic characters. BEAM files can be up to 5 MB in size, but are often around 1 KB - 66 KB. The file type was developed only in the last few years. The following keywords are characteristic: FOR1, erlang, BEAMAtom, info and BEAMAtU. These files are often associated with rabbit, data, elixir, config, license, charge, item and conf.
• 5% of all BEAM files start with the bytes ERL2, which are crucial for this file format. If you open these files in a text editor, you will see only illegible characters. The file size is in the range of 1 KB to 700 KB. The following keywords are characteristic: ERL2. The file name code_blob.beam is characteristic of these files. Such files are related to blob and code.

The remaining 10% of all BEAM files are different files with different signatures, frequently e.g. GZIP. Sometimes used for admin, agent, http, ejabberd, cowboy, hello or mgmt. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your BEAM file!