Home·File extensions

.vob

Video · video/mpeg

Opens with

VLCMPC-HC

Moving pictures with sound. The extension only names the container — what actually plays depends on the codec inside.

MIME typevideo/mpeg
CategoryVideo
Opens in a browserNo
Plain textNo
Registered typeYes

The same file, another name

These share a MIME type. Renaming between them usually just works.

How to read this

  • An extension is a label, not the contents. Rename a file to .png and if the bytes inside are JPEG, it is still a JPEG.
  • A MIME type is how the internet names a file kind. Browsers look at that value, not the extension, to decide whether to display or download.
  • A MIME type starting with x- was never registered as a standard. Plenty are in wide use, but they are not official names.
  • Video extensions name a container. The same .mp4 may play on one device and not another, depending on the codec inside.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is a .vob file?

It belongs to the video category and its MIME type is video/mpeg. The contents are binary, so opening it in a text editor shows garbage.

Q. What opens a .vob file?

VLC, MPC-HC all handle it. In a browser it does not display — the browser downloads it instead.

Q. What is the MIME type of .vob?

video/mpeg. The first half, video, names the broad kind; the second half, mpeg, names the exact format. It is a registered standard name.

Q. Is any other extension the same format as .vob?

.mpg, .mpeg share the very same MIME type. Renaming between them usually just works.

Q. My .vob file will not open.

First check that VLC is installed. If it still fails, the download may have been cut short, or the file may only be named .vob while holding a different format inside.

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