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.TORRENT·File Extension

TORRENT Archive — A .torrent file is a TORRENT Archive. It is a compressed archive format that bundles files for easier storage and distribution.

Archiveapplication/x-bittorrent

Quick facts

Extension.torrent

File typeTORRENT Archive

MIME typeapplication/x-bittorrent

CategoryArchive

Charset—

Compressible—

What is .torrent

What is a .torrent file?

A .torrent file is a TORRENT Archive. It is a compressed archive format that bundles files for easier storage and distribution.

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

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

How to open .torrent files

Use 7-Zip or WinRAR to open and edit .torrent 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/x-bittorrent

Common software that reads/writes .torrent:

7-ZipWinRARtarThe Unarchiver

Relation chain

.torrentextension of

format

TORRENT Archiveserved as

mime type

application/x-bittorrentsent via header

http header

Related extensions

Related MIME types

application/x-bittorrent

.torrent

Common uses

File distribution
Backup bundles
Software installation packages

How to edit .torrent files

Open the file with 7-Zip, make your changes and save.
Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.

How to create .torrent files

Create a new file and save it with the .torrent extension, or export this format from 7-Zip.

Frequently asked questions

What programs can open .torrent files?

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

How do I create a .torrent file?

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

What is the relationship between .torrent and the application/x-bittorrent MIME type?

application/x-bittorrent is the media type identifier used for .torrent files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Sources & standards

Updated 2026-09-13

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