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

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

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

A .ts file is a TypeScript Source File. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads TypeScript yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .ts file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .ts. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with VS Code or WebStorm.
On Mac, use VS Code or WebStorm.
On Linux, try VS Code or vim.
Still stuck? Convert the .ts to js, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .ts files

Windows

VS Code
WebStorm
any text editor

macOS

VS Code
WebStorm
any text editor

Linux

VS Code
vim
any text editor

Before you open it: Caution. TypeScript is program source that runs once compiled. Review unfamiliar code before running it. A .ts that is actually a video is safe to play.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .ts file?

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

Is a .ts file TypeScript or a video?

Usually TypeScript source code. But .ts is also an MPEG transport stream video. A text editor opens code; a large binary that only plays in a media player is video.

How do I run a TypeScript file?

Compile it with tsc file.ts to produce JavaScript, then run that with Node, or use a runner like ts-node or Deno that executes TypeScript directly.