This article discusses the different types of DAT files, how to open each type, and what programs you need to convert them.

A file with the DAT file extension is usually a generic data file that stores information specific to the application it references. Sometimes you'll find them on their own, but often they're found with other configuration files, such as DLL files.

There is no specific program responsible for creating or using each type of DAT file. A wide variety of applications use them as references to certain operations in their respective programs.

Since most DAT files are stored in an application's data folders, you'll probably see them most often if a video file is saved this way or if you've received a malformed email attachment with this extension.