ELF

elf icon

ELF executable

File type: Program executable file

Files with elf extension can be found as executables in the executable and linkable format. Used mainly on some Unix and Linux based systems.

Found 2 different file type records with the same elf filename suffix.

What is elf file?

File type category:
Program executable file

Date updated: November 23, 2023

File extension elf is one of the suffixes commonly used for Executable and Linkable Format. Also known simply as ELF, it is a common standard file format for executables, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps, mainly used on Unix and Unix-like systems.

Generally speaking, ELF format has replaced older executable formats in various environments. These are used in my Unix and Linux systems, gaming consoles such as Sony PlaystationNintendo Wii, or Dreamcast. It was also used in some operating systems running on PowerPC like AmigaOS 4 or MorphOS, and mobile operating systems like Symbian OS 9, or Bada.

ELF format can also have different file extensions to specify its purpose, such as .o files (objects) .so files (shared libraries), .prx or .puff files. But these serve different purpose.

How to open elf file?

The .elf files are executables and are meant to launch program, not to be opened as single files.

How to convert elf file?

These files are executables and cannot be simply converted or exported to something else.

Associated software actions with the elf file

Software applications that can open elf files:

Dolphin icon Dolphin (Microsoft Windows)

Apps designed for playing elf files:

no icon available PPSSPP (Multiplatform)

Software apps that import elf files:

no icon available PPSSPP (Multiplatform)

Software applications that handle other tasks involving elf files:

no icon available NeutrinoSX2 (Microsoft Windows)

no icon available PS2emu (Microsoft Windows)

PCSX2 icon PCSX2 (Microsoft Windows)

Unix icon Unix (Linux/Unix)

Linux operating systems icon Linux operating systems (Linux/Unix)

FreeBSD icon FreeBSD (Linux/Unix)

NetBSD icon NetBSD (Linux/Unix)

Sony PlayStation 2 icon Sony PlayStation 2 (Other operating systems or devices)

Nintendo Wii icon Nintendo Wii (Other operating systems or devices)

Sony PlayStation icon Sony PlayStation (Other operating systems or devices)

Nintendo GameCube icon Nintendo GameCube (Other operating systems or devices)

Black Belt Systems extended layer data

File type category:
Various data file

Date updated: November 21, 2018

The elf file extension is used by some Black Belt Systems application.

The .elf files contain extended layer data.

Most likely some old format without support. No further information could be found.