File Extension Library

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.PCAP File Extension

  • Developer by: Wireshark
  • Category: Data Files

What is an .PCAP file?

.PCAP file extension is created by Wireshark. .PCAP has been classified as Data Files.

.PCAP is Packet Capture Data

Data file created by Wireshark (formerly Ethereal), a free program used for network analysis; contains network packet data created during a live network capture; used for "packet sniffing" and analyzing data network characteristics; can be analyzed using software that includes the libpcap or WinPcap libraries.

Wireshark is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms. Professors and students often use the software for studying data communications.

NOTE: Wireshark was renamed from Ethereal in May, 2006 due to trademark issues.

List of all softwares that can open the Packet Capture Data
Windows
Wireshark
Netresec NetworkMiner
WinDump
Mac
Wireshark
Linux
Wireshark
Netresec NetworkMiner
tcpdump

How to Open .PCAP file on different platforms

Open .PCAP File on Windows

  • Right-click a .PCAP
  • Left-click "Open With" > "Choose another app"
  • Select the program that opens .PCAP file and Select check box "Always use this app to open .PCAP files" Press "Ok"

Open .PCAP File on Mac

  • Right-click (or Ctrl + Left-click) the .PCAP file
  • Click "Open With" > "Other.."
  • Then choose another program from the app list and press "Open"
  • Select check box "Turn on" for "Always open in app"

Open .PCAP File on Linux

Right click on the .PCAP file, choose "Open with" and select a program from the list above

Open .PCAP File on iPhone

Select a file. If you don't see an application to open the .PCAP file, tap "Share" and choose the right app.
Method 2
Save the file. Then open the app «Files». Touch and hold the file, then release your finger. You will see a black menu bar. After that tap "Share" and select an application.

Open .PCAP File on Android

Tap the Settings icon on an Android smartphone, then select «Applications». Click the Settings icon in the upper right corner of the screen, to change the default apps.
If you want to open, edit, save or even convert .PCAP files on Android, then your best bet is to download one of the dedicated apps available on Google Play.

How to fix problems with .PCAP files

  1. You need to update the application that you normally use to open .PCAP files. Only the latest version of the software supports the current .PCAP file format
  2. You need to check the .PCAP file for viruses. To do this, you need to scan it with a popular antivirus (Norton, Nod32, Kaspersky, Dr.Web, etc.)
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