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
  • Other: .txt, .pdf
Supported file types and codecs
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 file systems. To identify the file system for your external device, consult the help manual for your external device.

  • FAT
  • HFS+ (read-only on journaled HFS+)
  • ISO9660 (read-only)
  • NTFS
  • UDF (read-only)
  • USB hard drives and thumb drives
  • USB CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives (read-only)

Supported external peripherals

Here are the types of peripherals that 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, scroll wheel
  • USB hubs
  • Certain Bluetooth devices
  • 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)
Use your Chromebook offline

Learn about the things you can do with your Chromebook--even when you're not connected to the Internet.

Discuss with other Chromies in Chromebook Central.