What is a URL file?
A .URL file is a plain text file used primarily by Microsoft Windows to store Internet shortcuts. It typically contains an `InternetShortcut]` header section followed by a `URL=` line that points to a specific web address. Some .URL files also function as dedicated shortcuts to cloud notebooks for [Microsoft OneNote.
How to open URL files?
On a Windows computer, double-clicking a .URL file automatically opens the target link in your default web browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. Because these files contain plain text, you can also open them with basic text editors like Notepad++, Microsoft Notepad, or Apple TextEdit to see the exact destination link without actually visiting the website.
Best practices and troubleshooting
Apple macOS systems do not support .URL files natively. They use .WEBLOC files for web shortcuts instead. If you need to open a .URL file on a Mac, you must read the text file manually to copy the link. Furthermore, always verify the destination link before you click a shortcut from an unknown sender, as the file could redirect you to a malicious webpage.
Inspect and view URL files online
The viewer.online/url platform can analyze .URL files to identify the exact format and creator software, inspect the file structure, extract readable text, and check whether an online preview is available. Since a .URL file might have multiple possible meanings (like a standard web shortcut or a OneNote link), we recommend viewer.online/url to identify the actual format of the user's file.
If you need to change the file to work on other operating systems, we recommend file conversion to sensible target formats on convert.guru. You can convert .URL files into standard .HTML bookmarks or Apple .WEBLOC files easily.
Summary
Ultimately, viewer.online/url is extremely useful for identifying, inspecting, and understanding .URL files safely without installing software or dealing with compatibility problems.