What is the LINK file format?
.link is an ambiguous extension shared by several unrelated applications, with no universal format definition, no fixed binary signature, and no registered MIME type. The most common sources of .link files include:
- Linux and macOS symbolic link stub descriptors created by system utilities
- Apple iPod sync reference files used by iTunes for Windows during device management
- CodeWarrior IDE linker control files (a component of CodeWarrior project builds)
- Generic URL or shortcut pointer files generated by various applications
Because the extension has no standard, file content varies entirely by origin: most examples are plain text or binary files under 1 KB containing a path, URL, or resource reference. Opening a .link file in a plain text editor such as Notepad often reveals the target path or URL for text-based variants.
The extension is unrelated to .lnk (Windows Shell Link - the standard Windows shortcut format with a defined binary structure) and .url (Internet Shortcut). If a file is misidentified as .link, check its internal content to determine the actual format and originating application.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWA .link file that is a text pointer or URL is harmless. If it's an executable wrapper disguising a .link as a shortcut to malware - treat as you would any unexpected file: inspect in a text editor first, do not double-click unknown .link files from untrusted sources.
Format details
in a nutshell- Linux/macOS symbolic link descriptor - Some file managers and archivers represent symlinks as .link files when moving to non-native filesystems.
- Apple iPod Sync File - Apple iPod Software created .link files during device synchronization (legacy iTunes/iPod ecosystem, discontinued).
- Various URL/shortcut formats - Multiple applications use .link as a generic shortcut or URL reference file containing a path or web address.
Programs that open LINK files
Windows2 apps
Notepad / any text editor
Built-in Right-click the .link file > Open with > Notepad. If the content is readable text (a path or URL), you can see the target directly.
Apple Music (iTunes for Windows) - for iPod .link files
Free Legacy iPod .link files were generated by Apple's iPod sync software (iTunes). If encountered, the file is a sync artifact; delete it - it has no standalone use. 
macOS1 app
TextEdit / any text editor
Built-in Open with TextEdit to inspect the content; if it's a path or URL, you can navigate there manually. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | No universal format - extension shared by multiple unrelated applications |
| Encoding | Plain text (most common) or application-specific binary |
| Typical content | File path, URL, or symbolic reference to another resource |
| Magic bytes | None - no fixed signature; identify by application context |
| MIME type | `application/octet-stream` (no standardized MIME registered for `.link`) |
| Typical file size | Under 1 KB |
| Known uses | Linux/macOS symlink stubs; Apple iPod sync files (iTunes for Windows); CodeWarrior IDE linker files; application-generated URL shortcuts |
| Associated OS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Note | Unrelated to `.lnk` (Windows Shell Link), which has a fully defined binary structure standardized by Microsoft |
| Released | N/A (varies by producing application) |
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about LINK files.
