PQB File – What is .pqb file and how to open it?

Definition of a PQB File

A PQB file, short for Pleco Chinese Dictionary Backup File, is a backup of a user’s Pleco Chinese dictionary data. Pleco is a popular Chinese language learning software application available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The application features a comprehensive Chinese dictionary with millions of entries. Users can customize their dictionaries by adding new words, phrases, and other content.

Purpose and Usage of PQB Files

PQB files are crucial for safeguarding user-created content within the Pleco dictionary. They serve as a backup mechanism, allowing users to retrieve their customized dictionaries in case of data loss or corruption. The PQB file contains all the user’s custom entries, including words, phrases, notes, and user-created flashcards. By backing up the PQB file, users can ensure that their personalized dictionary remains intact even if they lose their device or experience technical difficulties with the Pleco application.

Using Pleco Software

To open a PQB file, you primarily need the Pleco software. Pleco is a comprehensive Chinese language learning tool that offers various dictionaries, flashcards, and text-reading capabilities. The software is available for both Android and iOS devices, as well as Windows and macOS computers.

Once you have Pleco installed on your device, follow these steps to open a PQB file:

1. Locate the PQB file: Browse to the location on your device where the PQB file is saved.
2. Open with Pleco: Right-click (or long-press on mobile) the PQB file and select “Open with” from the context menu. Choose “Pleco” from the list of available applications.
3. Restore the backup: Pleco will automatically detect the PQB file as a dictionary backup and initiate the restoration process. The restored dictionary will be added to your existing Pleco dictionaries.

Alternative Methods

In case you do not have access to Pleco software, there are a few alternative methods to open and extract data from a PQB file:

1. Online Dictionary Extractor: Websites like PQB Extractor and PQB Viewer allow you to upload your PQB file and extract its contents online. These services provide a basic dictionary display and enable you to search within the extracted data.
2. Text Editor: PQB files are essentially SQLite database files containing dictionary entries. Using a text editor like Notepad++ or Sublime Text, you can open a PQB file and browse the raw data. However, this method is more suitable for advanced users with knowledge of SQL database structure.

PQB File Format

A PQB file is a backup file created by Pleco, a Chinese dictionary application available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It stores a compressed archive of the user’s dictionary data, including word lists, definitions, pronunciations, and example sentences. PQB files are used to create a backup of the user’s dictionary in case of data loss or corruption. They can also be used to transfer dictionary data between different devices.

To create a PQB backup file, users can simply navigate to the “Backup” section of the Pleco application and select the “Create Backup” option. The application will then create a PQB file containing all of the user’s dictionary data. To restore a PQB backup file, users can select the “Restore Backup” option from the “Backup” section of the application and navigate to the location of the PQB file. The application will then extract the data from the PQB file and restore it to the user’s dictionary.

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