All about SAFE Files

The SAFE file type is primarily associated with ESA SNAP.

SAFEFile Extension SAFE
File extension: SAFE
File type:  file container

What is a SAFE file

SAFE files mostly belong to ESA SNAP. An SAFE file can represent different types of secure containers.
  • Sentinel Data: In many cases, a SAFE file is the product from Sentinel satellite missions. It uses an XML structure to store Earth observation data and metadata. This file is not a single file but a folder with many files that work together. You can open these using ESA SNAP tools. For more details, visit the ESA SNAP tool.
  • Encrypted Archive: Some SAFE files are actually encrypted ZIP archives. They work like any secure compressed file and require a password to open. Tools such as WinZip can handle them. More information is available at the WinZip website.
  • Password Manager Database: Other SAFE files serve as a password manager database file. These files, created by products like DBSAFE from Password Depot, store user credentials securely.
  • FilExt.com note: Identify the origin of your file to choose the correct method for opening and viewing its content. Context is key when working with SAFE files.

    How to open SAFE files

    You need a suitable software like ESA SNAP to open a SAFE 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 SAFE file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SAFE file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

    Online SAFE Text Viewer

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    Programs that open and convert SAFE files:

    1. ESA SNAP
      See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SAFE files are often referred to as ESA SNAP data files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
    2. eCipher (Cryptographic Container) by Essential Security Software, Inc.
      A secure file type containing encrypted data. SAFE files are secure cryptographic containers which may contain encrypted email, documents, spreadsheets or other file types. The Mime types used with this association are: application/eCipher.

    Technical Data for SAFE File Extension

    File classification:
    Data
    Related files:
    Mime type:
    application/eCipher

    The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

    ProgramID: SafeFiles.1
    EXEFile: rundll32.exe %ProgramFiles%\Agnitum\OUTPOS~1.0\oshdlr.dll,ProcessFile %1

    ProgramID: SafeFiles.1
    EXEFile: rundll32.exe %ProgramFiles%\Agnitum\OUTPOS~1\op_shell.dll,ProcessFile %1

    ProgramID: SafeFiles.1
    EXEFile: rundll32.exe %ProgramFiles%\Lavasoft\PERSON~1\lf_shell.dll,ProcessFile %1

    ProgramID: safe
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Lavasoft Privacy Toolbox\LSPrivacyToolbox.exe


    a safe file container is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

    How to solve problems with SAFE files

    • Associate the SAFE file extension with the correct application.
    • Update your software that should actually open file containers. Because only the current version supports the latest SAFE file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available ESA SNAP update.
    • To make sure that your SAFE file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
    • Click here to open your .SAFE file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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    SAFE file viewer SAFE file description