lookup> .dylib

.DYLIB·File Extension

Dynamic LibrarymacOS dynamic library.

Data & Text
Extension.dylib
File typeDynamic Library
MIME type
CategoryData & Text
Charset
Compressible
Format familymach-o

What is a .dylib file?

A .dylib file is a Dynamic Library — macOS dynamic library.

In the mime-db registry it has no registered standard MIME type. When serving this file over HTTP, use a Content-Type that matches its actual format.

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

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

# No standard MIME type is registered for .dylib

Common software that reads/writes .dylib:

Terminalotool
.dylibextension of
format
mach-oserved as
mime type
sent via header
http header
  • Configuration files
  • Data interchange between systems
  • API request and response payloads
  • Logs and data exports
  • Open the file with Terminal, 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 .dylib extension, or export this format from Terminal.

What programs can open .dylib files?

Common options include Terminal, otool. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .dylib file?

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

Updated 2026-08-18

Related extensions

Related headers

Related methods

Related status codes