What is the WDB file format?
.WDB is a database file associated with Microsoft Works, an office suite developed and sold from 1987 to 2009. The software was popular among users thanks to its low price and focus on single-user and micro-company workflows. Each .wdb file stores a single flat-file database - a table of records with field definitions and a Works form or report layout - in a proprietary binary format. Later versions (Works 4 and above) wrap the data in an OLE2 compound file container, while earlier DOS-era releases use a distinct binary header.
Opening and compatibility
.WDB is a unique, proprietary format. Although it superficially resembles .MDB, the two are unrelated and Microsoft Access has no built-in import filter for .wdb files. Historically, editing a .wdb database required Microsoft Works itself. Today, LibreOffice Calc can read many .wdb files through its bundled libwps import library - making it the most practical modern option for users who no longer have Works installed.
Converting a WDB file
Interestingly, Microsoft never implemented any .wdb export or import tools in Excel or Access. If a copy of Microsoft Works is still available, the recommended path is to open the database in Works and export it to .CSV or .XLS. To open Works data in Access, Works can first export to .DBF, and the resulting file can then be opened directly in Access. Third-party conversion utilities also exist for batch processing or when Works is unavailable.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWA .wdb is data, not executable code, so opening one is safe. The real risk is obsolescence, not malware: Microsoft Works is discontinued and modern Office has no .wdb import filter, so this data can become stranded. Migrate it to CSV/XLSX now while a working copy of Works (or a libwps-based reader like LibreOffice) can still read it. Old Works files may also use legacy code pages, so check that accented text imports correctly.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open WDB files
Windows2 apps
LibreOffice Calc
Open-source LibreOffice can import many Microsoft Works files; try opening the .wdb (results vary by Works version). Save As CSV/XLSX if it reads. 
Microsoft Works (legacy)
Paid Open the .wdb in a still-installed copy of Works, then File > Save As / Export to CSV, XLSX or DBF to preserve the data. Works was discontinued in 2009 - only an existing install will work. 
Linux1 app
LibreOffice Calc (libwps import)
Open-source LibreOffice uses the libwps library for Microsoft Works formats; try opening the .wdb and exporting to CSV/XLSX. Technical details
deep spec| Encoding | Binary, little-endian byte order |
| Container | OLE2/CFBF compound file (Works 4 and later); proprietary binary header in DOS-era Works 1-3 |
| MIME type | application/x-msworks-db; also application/vnd.ms-works |
| Compression | None - field data is stored uncompressed as raw binary |
| Encryption | No native encryption or password protection in the format |
| Typical file size | Tens of KB to a few MB, depending on record count |
| Database model | Single flat-file table; no relational joins or multi-table relationships |
| Internal structure | Header with version info, field (column) definitions, data records (rows), and Works form/report layout blocks |
| File signature | No single public magic number; OLE2-based files begin with D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 at offset 0; DOS-era files use a proprietary binary header |
| Format generations | Two main binary layouts: DOS-era proprietary header (Works 1-3) and OLE2-wrapped layout (Works 4-9); the two are structurally distinct |
| Platform support | MS-DOS (Works 1.0 onward); Windows 3.x through Windows 7-era via Works 9.0 |
| Modern third-party reader | LibreOffice Calc via the bundled libwps import library reads most .wdb files |
| Microsoft Office compatibility | No native import filter in Access or Excel; must be converted via Works export or a third-party tool first |
| Conversion paths | Works can export to CSV, XLS, or DBF; DBF output can be imported directly into Microsoft Access |
| Released | 1987 (Microsoft Works 1.0 for DOS); Windows Works from 1992 |
| Latest version | Microsoft Works 9.0 (2007); product discontinued 2009 |
WDB conversions
Community Q&A
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