ELF File Type

- The quick facts

What are ELF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an ELF file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is an ELF 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 all three of the Sony PlayStation systems including the PS1, PS2 and PS3 as well as the Sony PSP.

The ELF files that are used by the game console systems contain critical executable information and other resources that are needed by the gaming software in order to run properly.

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 6 different ELF openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: July 13, 2020

Suggest another file format using extension ELF

While we know of one file format using the .ELF file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind 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.