Why convert JAR to JAD?
A .jad (Java Application Descriptor) is a plain-text sidecar file that pairs with a J2ME MIDlet JAR, listing the MIDlet name, version, main class, JAR size, and download URL. Some J2ME emulators require the JAD alongside the JAR to load the MIDlet correctly.
How to convert JAR to JAD
FreeJ2ME EASIEST
Load the .jar in FreeJ2ME - it reads MIDlet attributes directly from META-INF/MANIFEST.MF and can produce a .jad file automatically.
KEmulator FREE
Create a new profile in KEmulator, point it at the .jar, and the wizard pre-fills JAD fields from the manifest; export the JAD from the profile settings.
7-zip OPEN-SOURCE
Right-click the .jar, choose 7-Zip > Open archive, navigate to META-INF/MANIFEST.MF, and copy its lines into a new .jad text file.
Programs that convert JAR
About these formats
.JAR
Java Archive
A JAR file is a Java Archive - a ZIP bundle of compiled Java bytecode (.class files), resources, and a manifest. To run an executable JAR you need Java installed (OpenJDK/Temurin is free),…
Open .JAR details →
.JAD
Java Application Descriptor
A JAD file is a small plain-text descriptor for a J2ME (Java ME) mobile app or game. It always pairs with a .jar file that holds the actual program code. To read it, open it in any text…
Open .JAD details →Quality & what to watch
- A JAD is plain ASCII text - roughly 10-20 lines of key: value pairs - not a binary format; you are creating a metadata sidecar, not transforming data.
- The JAR itself does not change - the JAD is an external sidecar file; both need the same base name (e.g.
game.jar/game.jad) in the same folder. - JAD files are only relevant for J2ME MIDlet JARs from Nokia-era feature phones; regular desktop Java applications ignore
.jadfiles entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the correct values for the JAD file?
.jar with 7-Zip, navigate to META-INF/MANIFEST.MF, and copy the MIDlet name, class, and version lines; set MIDlet-Jar-Size to the exact byte size of the .jar.
