QBE File

What are QBE files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a QBE 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 QBE files.

What is a QBE file?

A .QBE file is a DBase Query file.

DBase Query File (.qbe) is a query definition file used with the dBASE database system. It is created by dBASE (especially Visual dBASE 5.x) when you build a query visually via its Query (or Query-by-Example) designer. The file acts as a saved filter or view: it specifies which table(s) to use, which fields to select, and which conditions, relationships, or expressions define how to filter or join the data. It does not itself store the database records, only the instructions needed to retrieve or display them.

When a .qbe file is used, the dBASE engine reads it to present a result set according to those saved criteria - for example in forms, reports, or as part of the application logic. When migrating from older dBASE versions to newer ones (e.g. Visual dBASE 5.x to dBASE Plus or Visual dBASE 7), the QBE file often needs converting, since newer report engines and data access layers don't necessarily support the older XDML-based query format. dBASE supplies a utility called QBE2DMD that converts a Visual dBASE 5.7 .qbe into a newer Data Module (.dmd) file, carrying over the SQL statement embedded in the query definition.

A .qbe file begins with metadata that records its origin (version of Visual dBASE), embedded SQL or query-by-example definitions, and possibly references to table file paths.

How to open QBE files

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

Programs that open DBase Query files

Last updated: August 10, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

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

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