How to convert your HOSTS file
- Click the "Select File" button above, and choose your HOSTS file.
- You'll see a preview.
- Click the "Convert file to..." button to save your file in the format you want.
Convert HOSTS to another file type
The converter easily converts your HOSTS file to various formats—free and online. No Windows or extra software needed.
Convert a file to HOSTS
The converter also works in reverse, allowing you to convert your file into the HOSTS file type—in the best quality.
About HOSTS files
The HOSTS file, a simple text file used by operating systems to map hostnames to IP addresses, plays a crucial role in network configuration. It is typically located in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ on Windows or /etc/hosts on Unix-based systems. Despite its simplicity, converting HOSTS files to other formats can pose challenges due to the specific syntax and configuration requirements.
Common formats to which a HOSTS file can be converted include .txt for plain text editing, .csv for spreadsheet or database applications, and .xml or .json for integration with web-based applications. While manual conversion is possible using text editors like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code, it can be time-consuming and error-prone.
For automated conversion, software tools such as LibreOffice can handle .csv conversion, while Python scripts using libraries like Pandas can facilitate more complex conversions to formats like .xml or .json. However, understanding the appropriate syntax for each format is essential to avoid configuration errors and maintain data integrity.
Despite the flexibility of HOSTS files, they come with drawbacks, such as the risk of accidental misconfiguration which can lead to network failures. This makes conversion a delicate task that should be approached with care. For a hassle-free experience, consider using Convert.Guru. Simply drag-n-drop your HOSTS files onto their platform to effortlessly convert them into the desired format, ensuring safety and reliability.
The HOSTS Converter Story
The history of Convert.Guru began more than 25 years ago in California, when Tom Simondi published the most comprehensive database of file formats on his website. Before that, Tom had worked on Space Shuttle development at the Air Force Systems Command’s Space Division in Los Angeles. He is known as one of the top programmers of the late 1980s.
When Microsoft integrated Tom’s Filext database into Windows XP, it became the leading platform for analyzing and processing file types and formats.
Today, we use the latest technologies to analyze, process, and convert one of the world's largest collections of file formats. We are committed to developing the best HOSTS converter by continuously improving quality, usability, and reliability.