Opening an _DS_STORE File

The _DS_STORE file type is primarily associated with Finder.

_DS_STORE	File extension: _DS_STORE
	File type:	metadata file

What is an _DS_STORE file

_DS_STORE files mostly belong to Finder. DS_Store files are created by macOS to hold folder-specific metadata. They record details such as icon positions, window sizes, and view settings that the Finder uses to display folder contents.
This file, known as Desktop Services Store, is hidden by default and is written in an internal binary format.
Key points sourced by FilExt.com include:

It stores folder view options and layout details.

It is managed automatically by Finder on macOS.

Direct editing is not recommended because of its binary structure.

It can appear on non-macOS systems when folders are shared.

FilExt.com note: For more technical insights, refer to the information available at Binary Vortex.

How to open _DS_STORE files

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

Online _DS_STORE Text Viewer

Choose your ._ds_store file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

✈

Read our privacy guarantee in Filext’s terms and privacy policy

Please allow ads on our site

This helps us keep our servers running. Then re-upload your file to view it.

Click here to see how to disable the ad blocker for filext.com

Programs that open and convert _DS_STORE files:

Finder
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. _DS_STORE files are often referred to as Finder settings because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
macOS Finder
*._DS_STORE files store metadata information about the presentation of folders on macOS, such as the position of icons or the choice of a background image. They are created and maintained by the Finder, the default file manager on macOS. While invisible to users under normal circumstances, they can reveal information about the folder structure and file organization on a macOS system. The information within *._DS_STORE files is stored in a binary format, making it difficult to read without specialized tools. These files are specific to macOS and are typically not relevant to other operating systems like Windows or Linux. The presence of *._DS_STORE files can sometimes pose privacy concerns, as they can inadvertently disclose details about the contents and arrangement of files on a shared system or within backups. This file format is classified as System file.

_DS_STORE file format details:

To find out what program is needed to open _DS_STORE files, you need to determine the file format. 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 _DS_STORE files comes to the following conclusion:

The _DS_STORE file extension is not widely used. Such a file predominantly uses a uniform format. The two most common formats are as follows:

98% of all _DS_STORE files internally utilize the ds_store file format. A .DS_Store file stores metadata used by Finder on MacOS for folder-specific display options such as window placement, layout, custom icons, background, etc. These files are binary files, so they do not contain text, but only cryptic characters. The files are often between 6 KB and 10 KB in size. This file type is based on cutting-edge technology. The following keywords are characteristic: Bud1. Some examples of file names are __data.. Files like these are sometimes connected to data.

The remaining 2% of all _DS_STORE files are different files with different signatures. If you want to find out which format your _DS_STORE file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your ._ds_store file to analyze".

Technical Data for _DS_STORE File Extension

File classification:

Settings

Related files:

ds_store, plist, localized, volumeicon.icns, appledouble, zs, ds, file, pdf, zip, x-zip-compressed, event, bundle

an _ds_store metadata file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with _DS_STORE files

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