lookup> .deb

.DEB·File Extension

Debian PackageDebian/Ubuntu software package.

Data & Textapplication/octet-streamCompressible
Extension.deb
File typeDebian Package
CategoryData & Text
Charset
CompressibleYes
Format familydeb

What is a .deb file?

A .deb file is a Debian Package — Debian/Ubuntu software package.

In the mime-db registry it maps to application/octet-stream, and it is marked as compressible. When serving .deb over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to application/octet-stream — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

  • Use dpkg or apt to open and edit .deb files.
  • Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: application/octet-stream

Common software that reads/writes .deb:

dpkgapt7-Zip
.debextension of
format
debserved as
mime type
application/octet-streamsent via header
http header
  • Configuration files
  • Data interchange between systems
  • API request and response payloads
  • Logs and data exports
  • Open the file with dpkg, make your changes and save.
  • Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.
  • Create a new file and save it with the .deb extension, or export this format from dpkg.

What programs can open .deb files?

Common options include dpkg, apt, 7-Zip. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .deb file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .deb extension.

What is the relationship between .deb and the application/octet-stream MIME type?

application/octet-stream is the media type identifier used for .deb files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Updated 2026-08-18

Related extensions

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