Supported file types and external devices
If you see the "Unknown file type" message when you try to open a file, that means the file format isn't supported on your Chromebook at this time.
As a workaround, try using a web application to view the file. For instance, you can upload most documents, presentations, and spreadsheets to Google Drive and view them in your browser.
Supported file types
The following file formats are supported on Chromebooks:
- Microsoft Office files: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt (read-only), .pptx (read-only). Learn more about viewing and editing Office documents.
- Media: .3gp, .avi, .mov, .mp4, .m4v, .m4a, .mp3, .mkv, .ogv, .ogm, .ogg, .oga, .webm, .wav
- Images: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .webp
- Compressed files: .zip, .rar, .tar, .tar.gz (.tgz), .tar.bz2 (.tbz2)
- Other: .txt, .pdf
| Container | Video codec | Audio codec |
|---|---|---|
| ogv | Theora | -- |
| webm | vp8 | -- |
| mp4 | H264 | -- |
| MPEG4 | -- | |
| mov | MPEG4 | -- |
| H264 | -- | |
| avi | MPEG4 | MP3 |
| DIVX | MP3 | |
| XVID | MP3 | |
| 3gp | H264 | AAC |
| MPEG4 | AMR-NB |
Supported external storage devices
You can open and save files on external devices connected to your Chromebook, if they use the following types of filesystems. To identify the filesystem for your external device, consult the help manual for your external device.
- Ext2
- Ext3
- Ext4
- FAT
- HFS+ (read-only on journaled HFS+)
- ISO9660 (read-only)
- NTFS
- UDF (read-only)
Supported external peripherals
Here are the types of peripherals you can use with your Chromebook. If a peripheral doesn't work with your Chromebook, it may not be supported at this time.
- USB keyboards (Windows and Mac)
- USB mice with the following features: left button, right button, scrollwheel
- USB hubs
- Bluetooth mice and keyboards
- Monitors with DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, or VGA connections
- USB, DisplayPort, and HDMI audio devices
- Headset with a 3.5 mm jack
- Webcam with a USB cable
- MP3 player or mobile phone with a USB cable (can be used for charging)
Discuss with other Chromies in Chromebook Central.
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