What is the PKPASS file format?
Files with the .pkpass extension contain different types of data packaged with ZIP compression, including everyday tickets, boarding passes, coupons, member cards, student IDs, loyalty cards, and credit or debit cards that work with Apple Pay.
On a mobile device, passes are displayed as barcodes in formats such as Aztec, PDF417, QR, or Code 128 (1D).
Additional information
This format was introduced in 2012 by Apple for the Passbook app - renamed Apple Wallet in iOS 9 (2015). It can be opened by other programs on different platforms as well.
Internally, a .pkpass bundle is a ZIP archive containing several required files:
pass.json- the core pass data: type, display fields, colours, and URLsmanifest.json- JSON dictionary of SHA-1 checksums for every included filesignature- a detached PKCS#7 signature generated with an Apple-issued Pass Type ID certificate- image assets such as
icon.png,logo.png, andstrip.png
.pkpass files can be distributed in different ways - within apps, websites, social platforms, via SMS, MMS, email, and QR codes or barcodes.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWPKPASS files are cryptographically signed with an Apple-issued certificate and contain only data and images - no executable code - so they cannot infect a device. Wallet rejects passes whose signature doesn't validate. The real risk is privacy: a pass's barcode encodes your booking/ticket data, so don't share pass files or screenshots publicly, and be cautious uploading boarding passes to online conversion sites.
Format details
in a nutshellFULL NAMEApple Wallet Pass (formerly Passbook)
DEVELOPERApple Inc.since 2012 (iOS 6, as Passbook; app renamed Wallet in iOS 9, 2015)
CATEGORYData Files
MIME TYPEapplication/vnd.apple.pkpass
TYPEZIP-based digitally signed pass bundle (JSON + images + PKCS#7 signature)
STANDARDOpen · royalty-free
MAGIC BYTES · FILE SIGNATURE
OFFSET
00010203
HEX
504B0304
ASCII
PK··
Identical to any ZIP; distinguish by internal pass.json + manifest.json + signature files
Programs that open PKPASS files
Windows1 app
7-Zip
Open-source Right-click → Open archive (it's a ZIP): view pass.json for details and open the barcode images - enough to show a ticket in a pinch. 
macOS1 app
Pass Viewer (built-in)
Built-in Double-click the .pkpass - macOS Pass Viewer previews it and offers 'Add to Wallet' via your iPhone/iCloud. 
Android3 apps
PassWallet
Freemium Install, then open the .pkpass attachment and choose PassWallet; it stores and displays the barcode for scanning.
WalletPasses
Free Install, open the .pkpass file with WalletPasses; it auto-imports passes found on the device.
Pass2U Wallet
Freemium Open the .pkpass with Pass2U; can also rebuild passes from barcodes/PDF and sync to cloud.
iOS1 app
Apple Wallet
Built-in Tap the .pkpass attachment (Mail, Safari, Messages) → preview opens → tap Add. Built into iOS since iOS 6. Technical details
deep spec| Container format | ZIP archive; magic bytes 50 4B 03 04 ("PK" local file header) |
| Required internal files | pass.json, manifest.json, signature, and at least one icon image |
| Pass descriptor | pass.json - defines pass type, display fields, colors, barcode type, and web-service URLs |
| File integrity manifest | manifest.json - JSON dictionary of SHA-1 checksums for every file in the bundle |
| Digital signature | Detached PKCS#7 signature (file named signature), signed with an Apple-issued Pass Type ID certificate |
| Certificate authority | Apple Developer Program; a Pass Type ID certificate is required to generate valid signatures |
| MIME type | application/vnd.apple.pkpass |
| Supported barcode formats | Aztec, PDF417, QR Code, Code 128 (1D) |
| Pass types | boardingPass, coupon, eventTicket, generic, storeCard (defined in pass.json) |
| Image assets | PNG files: icon.png, logo.png, strip.png, thumbnail.png, background.png; Retina variants at @2x and @3x |
| NFC support | Optional NFC payload for contactless tap; requires an Apple entitlement granted to the issuer |
| Distribution channels | Email attachment, website download, in-app delivery, AirDrop, SMS/MMS, QR code scan |
| Multi-pass bundle | Multiple passes can be packaged together as a .pkpasses file (also ZIP-based) |
| Platform support | Native on iOS and macOS (Apple Wallet); Android support via third-party apps such as PassWallet and Pass2U Wallet |
| Released | 2012 (iOS 6, as Passbook; app renamed Wallet in iOS 9, 2015) |
| Open standard | Yes · royalty-free |
| Specification | developer.apple.com |
PKPASS conversions
Possible
.PKPASS .ZIPGUIDE
Yes - rename the file from .pkpass to .zip and open it with any ZIP tool.
How to convert
.PKPASS .PDFGUIDE
Yes, a PKPASS file can be saved as PDF -- the quickest way is to open the pass in Apple Wallet and use Print…
How to convert
.PKPASS .JPGGUIDE
You can get a JPG from a PKPASS file without any converter - the barcode and artwork are already stored as…
How to convert
.PKPASS .PNGGUIDE
You can get a PNG from a PKPASS file by extracting the images already packed inside it or by screenshotting…
How to convert
Not possible
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about PKPASS files.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a PKPASS file on Android?
Android has no built-in support. Install PassWallet, WalletPasses or Pass2U Wallet from Google Play, then open the .pkpass attachment with that app - it stores the ticket and displays the scannable barcode.
Can I add a PKPASS to Google Wallet?
Not directly - Google Wallet uses its own pass format and won't import .pkpass files. Use a third-party pass app, or check if the issuer offers an 'Add to Google Wallet' button instead.
How do I convert a PKPASS to PDF to print my ticket?
Open the pass in Wallet or a pass app and print/save as PDF, or rename the file to .zip and print the extracted barcode with the details from pass.json. Check that the venue/airline accepts printed barcodes.
Why won't my PKPASS open on iPhone?
Usually the pass is expired, malformed or its signature is invalid - Wallet silently refuses such passes. Re-download from the issuer's link or e-mail; also ensure you're tapping it in Mail/Safari, not a third-party viewer.
What's inside a PKPASS file?
It's a ZIP containing pass.json (ticket data and barcode payload), icon/logo images, manifest.json with file hashes, and a digital signature from the pass issuer.
Can I edit a PKPASS file?
You can edit pass.json after unzipping, but the pass will no longer install in Wallet - the signature won't match. Only the issuer (with their Apple pass certificate) can produce valid passes.
References
1Apple Developer - Wallet Passes documentationdeveloper.apple.com
2Apple Developer - Building a Pass (bundle layout, manifest, signature)developer.apple.com
