PCAPNG File

What are PCAPNG files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PCAPNG 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 PCAPNG files.

What is a PCAPNG file?

A .PCAPNG file is a Packet Capture Next Generation data file.

The .pcapng file format is related to captured data packets over the network. The Packet Capture Next Generation file or the .pcapng file is a standard format for storing captured data.

PCAPNG files normally contain several blocks of data. These blocks of data contain different types of information that are useful in capturing and analyzing network data, such as connection traffic. The blocks may consist of a section header block, interface description block, enhanced packet block, simple packet block, name resolution block, and interface statistics block. These blocks are necessary for recreating the data derived from the network to become readable information.

How to open PCAPNG files

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

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single PCAPNG opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: January 18, 2022

Various apps that use files with this extension

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