Opening FAST5 Files

The FAST5 file type is primarily associated with ONT software.

FAST5	File extension: FAST5
	File type:	Nanopore sequencing data

What is a FAST5 file?

FAST5 files mostly belong to ONT software. A FAST5 file is a hierarchical data format used to store raw signal data from Oxford Nanopore Technologies' sequencing devices. It uses the HDF5 format to organize and compress this complex data, which includes the electrical current measurements as DNA or RNA molecules pass through nanopores. These measurements are crucial for downstream basecalling and analysis. The structure of a FAST5 file allows for efficient storage and retrieval of various data types, including the raw signal, run metadata, and basecalling information. This format facilitates the development of specialized tools for analyzing nanopore sequencing data, enabling researchers to extract meaningful biological insights.

How can I open a FAST5 file?

You need a suitable software like ONT software to open a FAST5 file. You need a suitable software like ONT software to open a FAST5 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 FAST5 file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a FAST5 file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online FAST5 Text Viewer

Choose your .fast5 file to analyze

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Online File Viewer

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.FAST5 File Won't Open? Here is What You Can Do

Because .FAST5 files can come from different workflows, they aren't universally openable.

Identify the Source: These files typically come from bioinformatics workflows or geneticists, suggesting they contain Nanopore sequencing biological data.
Check the Header: Open the file in a hex viewer to inspect its first bytes.
- 89 48 44 46 (‰HDF): Indicates a standard HDF5 container used by ONT.
- Readable text: Suggests a misnamed text-based sequence file.
Use the Original Software: You usually need the original program to read these files. Try ONT software (like MinKNOW or Guppy), HDFView, or ask the sender for their specific tools.
Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your file onto this page to detect its exact format, extract metadata, and preview its contents.

Technical Data for FAST5 File Extension

File classification:

biological data

Related files:

fastq

a fast5 Nanopore sequencing data is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with FAST5 files

Associate the FAST5 file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open nanopore sequencing data files. Because only the current version supports the latest FAST5 file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available ONT software update.
To make sure that your FAST5 file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .FAST5 file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.