Hierarchical Data Format release 5 file
File type: Various data file
A file with the he5 file extension is an HDF5 file used to store and organize scientific and other numerical data.
HDF5 files can contain datasets, groups, and associated metadata in a hierarchical structure.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: October 25, 2026
HDF5 is a data format and software library developed and maintained by The HDF Group. It is designed for storing large, complex collections of scientific and numerical data.
An he5 file can contain one or more datasets, groups that organize those datasets, and attributes that describe them. The file can store multidimensional arrays and other structured data in a single container.
The .he5 extension is a naming convention for HDF5 files; the HDF5 format can also be used with other extensions. HDF5 remains in active use and is supported on Windows, macOS, Linux, and other platforms through HDF5 libraries and compatible scientific applications.
Open the he5 file with HDFView or another scientific application that supports HDF5. HDFView is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
If the file was produced by a particular scientific application, opening it with that application may provide the most useful view of its datasets and metadata.
There is no universal conversion that preserves every HDF5 dataset, group, and attribute in another format. An HDF5-compatible application or programming library can read the file and export selected datasets to formats such as CSV when appropriate.
Exporting individual datasets may discard the file's hierarchy, metadata, or multidimensional structure, so the original he5 file should be retained.
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