TrID

TrID is a file identifier tool that determines the file type of a given file. It works by analyzing the file's contents and comparing it against a database of known file signatures. This allows TrID to identify a vast range of file types, even those with unusual or custom extensions.

The tool is primarily used by forensic investigators, data recovery specialists, and system administrators who need to accurately identify files, especially when file extensions are missing, incorrect, or deliberately manipulated. TrID is known for its speed and accuracy, and its ability to recognize a wide variety of file formats, including documents, executables, multimedia files, and archives.

TrID can be used from the command line, making it suitable for scripting and integration into automated workflows. It also has a graphical user interface (GUI) version available, which simplifies its use for less technical users. The database of file signatures, known as "TrID Definitions," is regularly updated and can be downloaded separately, allowing users to expand TrID's recognition capabilities over time. This extensive and up-to-date definition file is crucial to TrID's effectiveness in identifying a constantly evolving landscape of file types.