bacpac

.bacpac — SQL Server Bacpac File

Microsoft · 2010

Developer
Microsoft
Category
Database
MIME Type
application/vnd.microsoft.sqlserver.bacpac
First Released
2010
Open Format
Yes
File Signature
PK (as it's a ZIP archive)
At a Glance
.bacpac
SQL Server Bacpac File

.bacpac files are used to package and export SQL Server database schemas and data for easy transfer and backup.

Reviewed on July 24, 2026
Compression
Compressed (as ZIP archive)
Transparency
No
Editability
Low
Best for
Database portability

Key Features

  • Bundles database schema and data into a single file.
  • Facilitates easy database migration and backup.
  • Platform-independent storage of SQL Server databases.
  • Supports offline storage and archival of database contents.

Best For

  • Packaging SQL Server databases for cloud migration.
  • Creating portable archives of database schemas and data.
  • Simplifying database deployments and updates.

Less Ideal For

  • Storing transactional logs for point-in-time recovery (use .bak for this).
  • Performing granular recovery of individual tables without the full database context.
  • Archiving very large databases where file size and transfer time are critical limitations.
  • Storing databases that require specific SQL Server features not supported in Azure SQL.

Common Use Cases

  • Migrating a SQL Server database to Azure SQL Database.
  • Backing up an on-premises SQL Server database for disaster recovery.
  • Moving a database between different SQL Server instances or versions.
  • Sharing a complete database structure and data for testing or development purposes.

How to Open It

  1. Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to import a .bacpac file into a SQL Server instance.
  2. Utilize Azure Data Studio to import .bacpac files into SQL Server or Azure SQL Database.
  3. Programmatically import .bacpac files using SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) or PowerShell scripts.
  4. Open the .bacpac file in a file explorer and extract its contents if you need to inspect the XML metadata or data files directly.

What is a .bacpac file?

A .bacpac file is a data-tier application package used for Microsoft SQL Server. It contains the schema and data of your database, allowing you to easily move or archive your SQL Server database. Think of it as a portable snapshot that bundles your entire database structure and content into a single file. This makes it incredibly useful for backups, migrations to different SQL Server versions or environments, and for sharing databases with others. It's designed to be a more flexible alternative to traditional SQL Server backup files (.bak).

Programs That Open .bacpac Files

PlatformProgram
WindowsSQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)FreeOfficial
Azure Data StudioFreeOfficial
macOSAzure Data StudioFreeOfficial
LinuxAzure Data StudioFreeOfficial
Web BrowserAzure PortalFreeOfficial

Common Problems with .bacpac Files

⚠️ Import fails due to incompatible SQL Server version or features.
Ensure the target SQL Server environment supports all features used in the source database, or adjust the export/import process.
⚠️ Large .bacpac file size causes slow uploads or timeouts.
Consider using other methods like Azure Database Migration Service or differential backups for very large databases, or compress the file further if possible (though it's already a ZIP).
⚠️ Permissions or user accounts are not correctly transferred.
.bacpac files primarily focus on schema and data. User accounts and server-level logins often need to be recreated or managed separately on the target server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a .bacpac file a full SQL Server backup?▼

No, a .bacpac file is a data-tier application package. It contains schema and data but is not a full server backup like a .bak file, which includes transaction logs and server configurations. .bacpac is better suited for moving databases, especially to Azure.

Can I edit a .bacpac file directly?▼

While a .bacpac file is a ZIP archive, editing the contained database files directly is not recommended and likely to corrupt the database. You should import it into a SQL Server instance to make changes.

What's the difference between .bacpac and .dacpac?▼

.bacpac includes both schema and data, suitable for full database migration or backup. .dacpac includes only the schema definition, used for managing database deployments and version control.

Technical Details

A .bacpac file is essentially a ZIP archive containing two main XML files: `Resources.xml` which holds schema information, and `Meta.xml` which contains metadata. The actual data is stored in a set of .dmed files (Data Management Extension Data) or individual .mdf/.ndf files, depending on the export method. This structure allows for both schema and data to be captured in a single, portable unit.

Did You Know?

The name 'bacpac' is a portmanteau of 'backup' and 'package'.
It's a primary mechanism for migrating SQL Server databases to Microsoft Azure cloud services.

Security Information

.bacpac files contain sensitive database information. Ensure they are stored and transferred securely, and only shared with trusted parties. When importing, ensure the target environment has appropriate security configurations in place.