BEAM File

What are BEAM files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BEAM file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your BEAM files.

What is a BEAM file?

A .BEAM file is a Compiled Erlang Code file.

Compiled Erlang Code files contain bytecode generated by the Erlang compiler, intended to be executed on the BEAM virtual machine. They store pre-compiled modules that save execution time and allow for hot code loading in Erlang/OTP; the source files (written in Erlang, with .erl extension) are compiled into this format, so that the runtime loads this bytecode rather than interpreting raw source. This format is essential to deploying Erlang applications, as all modules in the application's "ebin" directory are stored in this form.

Each file follows a chunk-based structure inspired by the EA IFF (Standard for Interchange Format) specification, but adapted: a header marked "FOR1" instead of "FORM" and aligned to 4-byte boundaries. Within the file are several named chunks such as atoms, attributes, exports, imports, locals, code (compiled instructions), compile information, and optionally debug_info / abstract_code which include metadata and optionally enough information to reconstruct the source syntax.

Byte signatures at the beginning and inside the file help identify this format. The file begins with ASCII "FOR1" at offset 0, followed by "BEAMAtom" at offset 8. It contains strings such as GET_MODULE_INFO, VERSIONK, SOURCEK, TIMEH, EXPT, IMPT, LOCT, VSNL among its chunks.

How to open BEAM files

Important: Different programs may use files with the BEAM file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your BEAM file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested two different BEAM openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of BEAM files. Remember, different programs may use BEAM files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about BEAM file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.