Open H5 files online
HDF5 stores large, complex hierarchical datasets used in science and engineering.
Drop a H5 file to open it
or click to choose — everything stays on your device
Choose file🔒 100% private — files never leave your browser
What is a H5 file?
HDF5 stores large, complex hierarchical datasets used in science and engineering. The .H5 extension identifies a Hierarchical Data Format 5 file, which is served with the application/x-hdf5 media type. You can open it here instantly — drop the file into the box above and it renders in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Besides this free online viewer, you can open HDF5 files in desktop apps such as HDFView, Python h5py, MATLAB — but here all you need is a web browser.
Quick facts
| Format | HDF5 — Hierarchical Data Format 5 |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .h5 .hdf5 |
| MIME type | application/x-hdf5 |
| Developer | The HDF Group |
| Category | Data & analytics |
| Also opens in | HDFView, Python h5py, MATLAB |
How to open a H5 file online
- Click Choose file above, or drag your H5 file onto the box.
- The right viewer loads automatically and renders your file.
- Read, scroll or page through it. To open a different file, choose Open another file.
100% private — files never leave your browser.
Libraries used to render H5 in the browser
This viewer is built entirely with open-source JavaScript that runs in your browser:
Frequently asked questions
What is a .H5 file?
A .H5 file is a Hierarchical Data Format 5, identified by the application/x-hdf5 media type. You can open and read it instantly in the viewer above without installing anything.
What programs open H5 files?
On the desktop, H5 files typically open in HDFView, Python h5py, MATLAB. Online, this page opens them in any modern browser — nothing to download.
Is it safe to open my H5 file here?
Yes. The file is read and rendered entirely by JavaScript inside your own browser. It is never uploaded to a server, so nothing leaves your device.
Do I need to install anything to view a H5 file?
No. There is nothing to install and no account to create. Open the page, drop your file, and it displays instantly.
Does it work on my phone or iPad?
Yes. The viewer is fully responsive and works in modern mobile and tablet browsers such as Safari and Chrome.
Is there a file size limit?
There is no hard limit, but very large files depend on your device’s memory. Big files are processed in the background so the page stays responsive.