What Is a .sqlite File? .sqlite Format, MIME & How to Open

Quick facts

Extension.sqlite

File typeSQLite Database

MIME typeapplication/vnd.sqlite3

CategoryData & Text

Charset—

Compressible—

Format familysqlite

What is .sqlite

What is a .sqlite file?

A .sqlite file is a SQLite Database — SQLite database file.

In the mime-db registry it maps to application/vnd.sqlite3. When serving .sqlite over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to application/vnd.sqlite3 — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

How to open .sqlite files

Use SQLite or DB Browser for SQLite to open and edit .sqlite files.
Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

Developer info

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

Content-Type: application/vnd.sqlite3

Common software that reads/writes .sqlite:

SQLiteDB Browser for SQLite

Relation chain

.sqliteextension of

format

sqliteserved as

mime type

application/vnd.sqlite3sent via header

http header

Related extensions

Related MIME types

application/vnd.sqlite3

.sqlite .sqlite3

Common uses

Configuration files
Data interchange between systems
API request and response payloads
Logs and data exports

How to edit .sqlite files

Open the file with SQLite, make your changes and save.
Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.

How to create .sqlite files

Create a new file and save it with the .sqlite extension, or export this format from SQLite.

Frequently asked questions

What programs can open .sqlite files?

Common options include SQLite, DB Browser for SQLite. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .sqlite file?

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

What is the relationship between .sqlite and the application/vnd.sqlite3 MIME type?

application/vnd.sqlite3 is the media type identifier used for .sqlite files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Sources & standards

Updated 2026-09-13

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