Always keep a backup of the DAT files and note the firmware version before parsing.
Depending on your technical skill level, there are three primary ways to open and read these files. 1. Using Official ZKTeco Software (ZKTime.Net / ZKAccess)
In the preview window, set the to Tab or Space (depending on your specific ZKTeo model output).
This is just one possible layout. Depending on the specific device model and software, the structure could be entirely different. This is why using a purpose-built tool is far more efficient than trying to manually decode the raw file. zkteco dat file reader
Ensure the date and time settings on your biometric hardware match your local time zone. Out-of-sync hardware clocks cause entries to appear under incorrect dates. Automating the Process: Third-Party Readers and Scripts
IN02-A, 2023-06-16 13:17:10, 1, 1, 1, 0, 3561
The internal clock of the ZKTeco hardware is out of sync. Always keep a backup of the DAT files
Select a programming language and a library that can help you read and parse the .dat file. Some popular choices are:
If your device exports unencrypted logs, you can open the file using built-in operating system tools. : Right-click the file and choose Notations/Notepad . macOS : Open the file using TextEdit .
Go to the tab, click From Text/CSV , and select your new .csv file. Using Official ZKTeco Software (ZKTime
Reinsert the flash drive into the biometric clock and download the attendance log again. Ensure the machine displays a "Success" message. 2. Software Does Not Recognize the DAT File
When you download logs from a ZKTeco device via a USB flash drive, the data is saved in a raw .dat format. This file is not directly readable by Excel or standard text editors.