`.sqlite` File Extension

Learn what a .sqlite database contains, how to identify and open it safely, how Poly supports it, and when to export its data.

File extension details for `.sqlite`

Storage Only

File type	SQLite 3 database
MIME type	`application/vnd.sqlite3`
Encoding	Binary, page-based SQLite 3 database with UTF-8 or UTF-16 text and optional BLOBs
Operating systems	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Opens with	SQLite command-line shell, DB Browser for SQLite, SQLiteStudio, Originating application
Poly support	Yes. Poly stores, syncs, shares, versions, and downloads `.sqlite` files.
Indexed by Poly	Name only. Database schemas, tables, rows, and embedded text are not indexed.
Preview in Poly	No. Download the file and open it with SQLite-compatible software.
Poly agent	No. The Poly agent cannot query or read the database contents.

What kind of file is a `.sqlite`?

A .sqlite file is conventionally a SQLite 3 database. It uses the registered application/vnd.sqlite3 MIME type and can hold tables, indexes, views, triggers, text, numbers, and binary objects in a portable binary format. The schema and records are usually contained in one main file, although transaction journals can temporarily be part of the database state.¹

Check the bytes when the source is uncertain. Every valid SQLite 3 main database starts with this 16-byte signature, the text SQLite format 3 followed by a zero byte:¹

53 51 4C 69 74 65 20 66 6F 72 6D 61 74 20 33 00

Renaming another file to .sqlite does not convert it into a database. SQLite does not require a particular suffix, so a genuine SQLite database may instead use .db, .sqlite3, or an application-specific extension.²

How do I open a `.sqlite` on my computer?

On Windows, macOS, or Linux, use the official sqlite3 command-line shell, DB Browser for SQLite, SQLiteStudio, or the application that created the file. Mobile apps often keep SQLite databases as internal data, so export a copy before inspecting one outside its original app.

For an unfamiliar database, work on a copy and start read-only:

sqlite3 -readonly records.sqlite

In the shell, .tables lists tables, .schema shows definitions, and PRAGMA quick_check; performs a lightweight consistency check.³ DB Browser for SQLite provides a graphical table browser, editor, query tool, and CSV import and export on the three major desktop platforms.⁴

Treat an untrusted database as active input. SQLite schemas can contain expressions, views, triggers, and virtual-table references. Use current software, avoid loading unsafe extensions, and apply SQLite's defensive settings when your application opens files from others.⁵

Poly support for `.sqlite`

Poly recognizes .sqlite as application/vnd.sqlite3. It stores, syncs, shares, versions, and downloads the file, and makes its filename and ordinary file properties searchable.

Poly does not provide an in-app database browser or inspect the schema, tables, rows, or embedded text. It does not generate a database preview, and the Poly agent cannot query the contents. Export relevant query results to CSV when you want their text to be previewable and searchable in Poly.

History of `.sqlite`

D. Richard Hipp released SQLite in 2000. SQLite 3.0.0 introduced the current incompatible on-disk generation on June 18, 2004, adding features including BLOB values and UTF-8 and UTF-16 text.⁶

The .sqlite suffix is a descriptive convention rather than a requirement imposed by the database engine. IANA formally registered application/vnd.sqlite3 in 2018 and listed .sqlite, .sqlite3, and the ambiguous .db as associated extensions.⁷

Working with `.sqlite` and alternatives

Choose an export according to what must survive:

Output	Best for	Tradeoff
SQL dump	Rebuilding schema and rows	Text must be executed by a compatible database engine
CSV	Sharing one table or query result	Loses relationships, indexes, triggers, and BLOB fidelity
JSON	Application or API interchange	Has no universal mapping for a relational schema

The SQLite shell's .dump command writes schema and data as SQL text.³ Keep the original database when constraints, relationships, or application-specific behavior matter.

Do not casually copy a database while its application is writing. In write-ahead logging mode, recent committed data can remain in a companion -wal file. Use SQLite's backup facilities or a database-aware export to create a consistent standalone copy.¹⁷

SQLite Project. Database File Format. The specification defines the header, pages, and transaction side files. ↩ ↩² ↩³
SQLite Project. SQLite as an Application File Format. SQLite allows application-specific suffixes and IDs. ↩
SQLite Project. Command-Line Shell for SQLite. The manual documents inspection, integrity checks, output modes, and .dump. ↩ ↩²
DB Browser for SQLite Project. DB Browser for SQLite. The project documents its graphical database tools and supported desktop systems. ↩
SQLite Project. Defense Against the Dark Arts. The guidance covers defensive configuration for untrusted database files. ↩
SQLite Project. SQLite Release 3.0.0. The release notes date the SQLite 3 format and summarize its changes. ↩
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. application/vnd.sqlite3 Media Type Registration. It records the media type, extensions, magic number, and safe-copy considerations. ↩ ↩²

.sqlite File Extension

File extension details for .sqlite

What kind of file is a .sqlite?

How do I open a .sqlite on my computer?

Poly support for .sqlite

History of .sqlite

Working with .sqlite and alternatives

Footnotes