Cloud File Viewer
Cloud File Viewer
FeaturesFAQBlog
Add to Chrome (free)

Blog

File formats, explained

Notes on Parquet, Avro, CSV and Google Cloud Storage, written while building Cloud File Viewer.

  • September 19, 2026 · 5 min read

    What is a Parquet file?

    Parquet stores data by column instead of by row. That one decision is why a query can read 2% of a file, and why you cannot open one in a text editor.

    Read →
Cloud File Viewer
Cloud File Viewer

Preview Google Cloud Storage files without downloading

BlogChrome Web StoreContactMli Dev StudioPrivacyTerms

© 2026 Cloud File Viewer. All rights reserved.