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Quicken data file (.qel)

.qel file signature | application/octet-stream

Quicken data file (QEL) is a data format created and maintained by Intuit for use with Quicken personal finance software. It is used to store account information, transaction records, budgets, and related financial details for individual and small business bookkeeping. The format is considered safe, though files should still be opened only from trusted sources; Quicken has evolved over time, and older data files may require compatible software.

Safe

Magic Bytes

Offset 92
51 45 4C 20

Sources: Gary Kessler

Extension

.qel

MIME Type

application/octet-stream

Byte Offset

92

Risk Level

Safe

Validation Code

How to validate .qel files in Python

Python 
def is_qel(file_path: str) -> bool:
    """Check if file is a valid QEL by magic bytes at offset 92."""
    signature = bytes([0x51, 0x45, 0x4C, 0x20])
    with open(file_path, "rb") as f:
        f.seek(92)
        return f.read(4) == signature

How to validate .qel files in Node.js

Node.js 
function isQEL(buffer: Buffer): boolean {
  const signature = Buffer.from([0x51, 0x45, 0x4C, 0x20]);
  if (buffer.length < 96) return false;
  return buffer.subarray(92, 96).equals(signature);
}

How to validate .qel files in Go

Go 
func IsQEL(data []byte) bool {
    signature := []byte{0x51, 0x45, 0x4C, 0x20}
    if len(data) < 96 {
        return false
    }
    return bytes.Equal(data[92:96], signature)
}

API Endpoint

GET /api/v1/qel
curl https://filesignature.org/api/v1/qel

See the full API documentation for all endpoints and parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .qel file?

A .qel file is a Quicken data file file. Quicken data file (QEL) is a data format created and maintained by Intuit for use with Quicken personal finance software. It is used to store account information, transaction records, budgets, and related financial details for individual and small business bookkeeping. The format is considered safe, though files should still be opened only from trusted sources; Quicken has evolved over time, and older data files may require compatible software.

What are the magic bytes for .qel files?

The magic bytes for Quicken data file files are 51 45 4C 20 at byte offset 92. These bytes uniquely identify the file format regardless of the file extension.

How do I validate a .qel file?

To validate a .qel file, read the first bytes of the file and compare them against the known magic bytes (51 45 4C 20) at offset 92. This is more reliable than checking the file extension alone, as extensions can be renamed.

What is the MIME type for .qel files?

There is no officially registered MIME type for .qel files. Systems typically use application/octet-stream as a generic fallback when handling this format.

Is it safe to open .qel files?

Quicken data file (.qel) files are generally safe to open. They are classified as low risk because they primarily contain data rather than executable code. However, always ensure files come from a trusted source.