ELF File

What are ELF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an ELF 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 ELF files.

What is an ELF file?

ELF files have multiple uses, and Executable Unix is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Executable Unix File

ELF is an acronym for Executable Linking Format. Files that contain the .elf file format are system files that store executable programs, shared libraries, and memory dumps.

The ELF file format is primarily used on Unix-based operating systems. However, this versatile file format is also used by many popular game systems such as the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation systems, including the PS1, PS2, PS3, and the Sony PSP.

How to open ELF files

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

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

Last updated: August 6, 2026

All known file formats using extension .ELF

While Executable Unix File is a popular type of ELF-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .ELF file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

EurekaLog Log File

We know that one ELF format is EurekaLog Log File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

PlayStation Executable File

PlayStation Executable File (extension .ELF) is a binary executable format used primarily for homebrew, development builds, and special applications on PlayStation platforms such as the PlayStation 2. It is produced by compiling and linking programs using the PS2 software development kit (for example via the ps2dev toolchain). These files are not retail game discs but are used during development, debugging, or modding. An emulator like PCSX2 can run .ELF files built for PS2, allowing developers or users to test code or launch custom applications directly. Programs like Open PS2 Loader also allow the console itself or through exploits to load and run .ELF homebrew files.

Technically, a PlayStation ELF file conforms to the standard Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) specification. It begins with the four-byte magic number 0x7F-'E'-'L'-'F' at offset zero, followed by an ELF header that specifies attributes like word size (32-bit), endianness, target architecture (MIPS, in the case of PS2), entry point, and the locations of program and section headers. The PS2SDK project provides a definition for the ELF header structure, including fields such as entry point address, program header offset, and number of program headers.

ELF opener for Windows

We have identified one ELF opener that is compatible with this specific type of ELF file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of ELF files. Remember, different programs may use ELF 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 ELF file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.