Opening a CAP File

The CAP file type is primarily associated with Wireshark.

CAP	File extension: CAP
	File type:	captured packet file

What is a CAP file

CAP files mostly belong to Wireshark by Wireshark Foundation. CAP files are used for numerous software in various ways.

Main Use: CAP files are packet capture files. They are comprised of packets and save raw data and metadata captured over a network transmission. These files are also known as trace or bone files. With the help of a CAP file, analysis of data transmission between devices on a digital network is done to diagnose network problems, capture malicious network activity, and ensure compliance with IT regulations. Wireshark is a free packet sniffing application that can open CAP files on Windows, Mac, and Linux environments.
Other Uses: CAP files are also used while flashing the BIOS on ASUS Windows systems. They contain settings and instructions for flashing the BIOS on an ASUS motherboard. Scirra Construct is a DirectX game development software that stores project files containing game graphics, audio, physics models, and event handlers under the CAP file extension. PASCO Capstone is a scientific program created by Construct that uses CAP files. It stores engineering and physics experiment related data such as experiment settings, graphs, and calculations in a CAP file. CAP files are also used to save subtitles to be played with the video and are known as Videotron Lambda files.

How can I open a CAP file?

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

Online CAP File Viewer

Choose your .cap file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from CAP files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

You can extract texts from CAP file or capture a preview screenshot using our online CAP file viewer:

Just click the "Choose your .cap file to view" button on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert CAP files:

Wireshark by Wireshark Foundation
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. CAP files are often referred to as Wireshark data files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
capella (music score file) by Capella Software
capella is a scorewriter - a program that allows users to type music notation on a computer. It allows users to input, display, print and play music scores. The CAP file format is used to store music scores created in capella. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: capella on Wikipedia, capella FAQs
Code Architect (Code Architect project file) by Embedded Systems Academy
Code Architect is a programming service that allows quick and simple generation of code in C, C++, Pascal, and other programming languages. The CAP file format is used to store a Code Architect project. This file format is classified as Developer. Related links: Code Architect Manual
Construct (game project file) by Scirra
Construct is an HTML5-based 2D game development application that allows non-programmers to create games using visual programming. The CAP file format is used to store game development data for a game developed in Construct, including graphics, audio, models, and event handlers for actions in the game. The CAP format has been replaced in Construct by the CAPX and CAPROJ formats. This file format is classified as Developer. Related links: Construct on Wikipedia, Construct Manual, Sample CAP Files for Construct
DominoNAS by WWG
DominoNAS is the network analysis software from WWG that runs with their Domino family of hardware-based internetworking analyzers. This range included instruments like DominoWAN. Related links: DominoWAN Datasheet
EZ Flash (BIOS update file) by Asus
EZ Flash is a tool that allows users to download and update to the latest BIOS for Asus motherboards through the Internet without having to use a bootable disk or an OS-based utility. The CAP extension is associated with a BIOS update file used by EZ Flash to flash the BIOS on ASUS computers. This file format is classified as System. Related links: EZ Flash FAQ, How to Update BIOS with EZ Flash, Video Tutorial on Updating BIOS Using EZ Flash
FIREBERD Fast Ethernet Analyzer by TTC
FIREBERD Fast Ethernet Analyzer is a network analyzer from TCC that was used for packet analysis and troubleshooting. It was paired with the FIREBERD 500, which was an instrument from TTC. Related links: FireBerd 500 Datasheet
Fluke Protocol Inspector (captured packet file) by Fluke
Fluke Protocol Inspector is a network analyzer from Keysight that allows users to intercept and log traffic on a computer network that can then be used for troubleshooting and analysis. The CAP (capture) file format stores a captured packet. The file contains raw data and metadata transmitted over a network. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Fluke Protocol Inspector Introduction
Generic Network Capture Document
A number of different network analyzers use this file extension to represent captured data which are then analyzed by the various programs. In most cases any of the programs can usually analyze the data in the file; however, each program will give you displays specific to that program. XCP is a common format.
LAN Analyzer (captured packet file) by Keysight
LAN Analyzer is a discontinued network analyzer from Keysight that allowed users to intercept,log, and analyze traffic on a computer network. The CAP (capture) file format stores a captured packet. The file contains raw data and metadata transmitted over a network. This file format is classified as Data.
Network Monitor (captured packet file) by Microsoft
Network Monitor is a deprecated network analyzer and packet sniffer by Microsoft. It allows intercepting and logging network traffic for analysis and troubleshooting. The CAP (capture) file format stores a packet captured by Network Monitor. The file contains raw data and metadata transmitted over a network. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Network Monitor on Wikipedia, Collecting Data Using Network Monitor and Creating CAP Files, Different Network Capture Methods, Guide for Network Monitor, Open Using Wireshark
PacketView Pro (captured packet file) by Klos Technologies
PacketView Pro is a network analyzer that allows users to intercept and log traffic on a computer network for troubleshooting and analysis. The CAP (capture) file format stores a captured packet. The file contains raw data and metadata transmitted over a network. This file format is classified as Data.
Shomiti Surveyor (captured packet file) by Shomiti Systems
Shomiti Surveyor is a network analysis software from Shomiti Systems (later acquired by Finisar). It allows users to intercept and log network traffic for troubleshooting and analysis. The CAP (capture) file format stores a captured packet. The file contains raw data and metadata transmitted over a network. This file format is classified as Data.
Sniffer (captured packet file) by Network Associates
Sniffer is a network analyzer and packet sniffer from Network Associates. It allows users to intercept and log traffic on a computer network for troubleshooting and analysis. The CAP (capture) file format stores a packet captured by Sniffer. The file contains raw data and metadata transmitted over a network. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Sniffer Brochure, News Article on Sniffer, Open Using Wireshark
Snoop (captured packet file) by Oracle
Snoop is a command-line packet sniffer utility in the Solaris operating system. It allows users to intercept and log traffic on a computer network that can then be used for troubleshooting and analysis. The CAP (capture) file format stores a packet captured by Snoop. The file contains raw data and metadata transmitted over a network. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Snoop Documentation, Capture Snoop Output to a File, Overview of Snoop, Open Using Wireshark, Solaris on Wikipedia
Telix (session capture file) by deltaComm
Telix is a deprecated telecommunications program that supports ANSI emulation and various file transfer protocols. The CAP file format is the default session capture format for Telix. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Telix on Wikipedia
Ventura (caption file) by Corel
Ventura is a desktop publishing software by Corel. The CAP file format is for a caption file created by Ventura. The text entered for captions, box text boxes, and frames is stored in this file. This file format is classified as Page Layout. Related links: Ventura on Wikipedia, Venture User Guide, Ventura Guide Book Mentioning CAP Files, Ventura Review, News Report on Ventura
WWG LinkView PRO Capture File

CAP format details:

To view or edit CAP files you need to know the file format, because it determines how the data in this file is stored. The first characters in a file identify the file format, for example, HTML files start with the bytes <html>. If the file extension does not match the file format, double-clicking on the file will cause an error upon opening. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Our examination of the CAP files comes to the following conclusion:

The CAP extension is very commonly used. This CAP file itself is among the most popular common file types and includes different formats for the applicable programs. The file formats most commonly found in CAP files are:

45% of all CAP files are WiFi packet capture data files. These files contain neither text nor words, but only data. Most of these files are 620 bytes to 4 MB in size. The file type is old but is used even today. Such files sometimes refer to handshake, packetcapture, capture, link, http, tcpdump, wifi and root.
15% of all CAP files start with the bytes 8B A6 3C 4A 23 77 FB 48 80 3D 57 8C C1 FE C4 4D crucial for this file format. They consist of illegible, cryptic characters. The average file size is 16 MB with most files being between 8 MB and 16 MB in size. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as b"n*Cg. Files like these have the following tags: asus, prime, gaming, plus, strix and deluxe.

All the rest of the CAP files (40%) have different formats, such as Java Card converted Applet, Microsoft NetMon v2, Generic network capture, Capella sheet data, Snoop capture, Ventura Publisher Caption, EXE, config, SDB, Netscaler and STATUS. Files like these are sometimes linked to data, packet, host, trace, dump or bluecoat. You can get all the details of your CAP file by dragging it onto this page or by clicking the button "Choose your .cap file to view" above.

Technical Data for CAP File Extension

File classification:

Data

Related files:

pcap, zip, hccapx, cab, hccap, caps, ncfx, wkp, cap0, adv, pcapng, snoop, sniffer, txt, hc22000, exe, mci, hash, cpa, cat, exercise

Mime type:

application/vnd.tcpdump.pcap, image/x-minolta-mrw, image/x-nikon-nef

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: PeepNet.Document, FileType: PeepNet Document, AppName: PeepNet

ProgramID: capella.Score
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\AUDIO\Capella 2004\capstart.exe %1

ProgramID: ethereal-file
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ethereal\ethereal.exe %1

ProgramID: EtherSnoop.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ARECHI~1\ETHERS~1\ETHERS~1.EXE %1

ProgramID: NiDecodeAPI
EXEFile: C:\Observer Files\NiDecodeAPI.exe %1

ProgramID: SmileTiger WebPresentation Player
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\stwp\wp\player.exe %1

ProgramID: capella.Score
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\capella-software\capella 2004\capstart.exe %1

ProgramID: ethereal-file
EXEFile: D:\hack'n-crack\Ethereal\ethereal.exe %1

ProgramID: netmon.Document
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\system32\NetmonFull\netmon.exe %1

ProgramID: wireshark-file
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Wireshark\wireshark.exe

ProgramID: capfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Reference Manager 11\IFE.exe

ProgramID: dswin.document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\DSwin32\Dswin32.exe

ProgramID: Netmon3.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Network Monitor 3.0\netmon.exe

ProgramID: ethereal-file
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\_wwwUtils\_BB\Ethereal0.10.10\ethereal.exe

ProgramID: netmon.Document
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\system32\NETMON\netmon.exe

Show all 15 listings To Top

a cap captured packet file is a special file format by Wireshark Foundation and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with CAP files

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