How to open a .pdb file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .pdb file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands PDB. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .pdb file is a Palm Database / eBook. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads PDB yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .pdb file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .pdb. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with Calibre or Palm Desktop (legacy).
On Mac, use Calibre.
On Linux, try Calibre.
Still stuck? Convert the .pdb to epub, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .pdb files

Windows

Calibre
Palm Desktop (legacy)

macOS

Calibre

Linux

Calibre

Before you open it: Usually safe. A .pdb is data read by an e-reader or database app. Only open unfamiliar ones in a reader, not by running them.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .pdb file?

Almost always because no installed app understands PDB. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a .pdb eBook file?

Use Calibre, which reads the common Palm Doc, eReader and Mobipocket PDB variants and converts them to EPUB.

Why are there different kinds of .pdb files?

PDB is a generic Palm container. A type code inside it decides whether it is a book, a database or app data, so two .pdb files can be unrelated.