OpenAnyFile
What is a .mbtiles file?
MBTiles Map Tiles is a map and GPS format developed by Mapbox, first released in 2011. It is usually created by TileMill, QGIS, offline map apps.
A SQLite database of map tiles keyed by zoom, column and row — offline map apps ship whole cities this way.
File details
| Full name | MBTiles Map Tiles |
|---|---|
| Category | Maps & GPS |
| MIME type | application/vnd.mapbox-vector-tile |
| Signature (magic bytes) | 53 51 4C 69 74 65 20 66 6F 72 6D 61 74 20 33 (SQLite format 3) |
| Developer | Mapbox |
| Introduced | 2011 |
| Opens with | Database browser |
| Uploaded? | No — read locally in your browser |
How to open a .mbtiles file
OpenAnyFile routes .mbtiles files to its database browser, which shows every table with its rows.
- Drop your .mbtiles file on the box above, click it to choose the file, or paste it with Ctrl+V.
- The real format is detected from the file's first bytes — not just its name.
- The file opens in the database browser.
- Use fullscreen for a closer look, check its checksums, or download it back unchanged.
What works — and what does not
Works
Viewing and inspecting: every table with its rows. Size, type, signature and checksums are always shown.
Does not work
Editing and saving back. OpenAnyFile is a viewer, not an editor — for changes you still need the original app.
Is it safe to open a .mbtiles file online?
Here, yes — because nothing is uploaded. Most "online viewers" send your file to their server. OpenAnyFile reads it with your browser's File API and decodes it on your own device, so there is no copy anywhere else. You can check: open your browser's network tab while opening a file — no upload appears.
Questions about .mbtiles files
Can I open a .mbtiles file without installing software?
Yes. OpenAnyFile opens .mbtiles files in your browser using its database browser. You get every table with its rows, with nothing installed and no account.
How do I know a file is really a .mbtiles file?
Check its first bytes instead of its name. A genuine MBTILES file begins with 53 51 4C 69 74 65 20 66 6F 72 6D 61 74 20 33 (SQLite format 3). OpenAnyFile shows the detected type, so a renamed file is easy to spot.
Is my .mbtiles file uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is read locally by your browser and never sent to a server — it even works offline once the page has loaded.
Does it work on phones?
Yes — on Android and iPhone, in any modern browser. You can also install OpenAnyFile as an app.
Related formats
Other formats from the same family:
Format facts checked and page updated on September 25, 2026.