Contains User ID, timestamp, verification mode (Face/Finger), and status (Check-in/Out).
When an employee scans their fingerprint, face, or badge on a ZKTeco terminal, the device logs the event. These logs are stored internally and, when exported via USB, typically appear as a file named attlogs.dat . Key Characteristics: It is a flat-file database format. zkteco dat file reader
The SDK converts the binary data into strings that your application can save to a SQL database or display in a UI. ⚠️ Common Challenges and Fixes Potential Cause File appears as gibberish Encryption or Binary encoding Use the ZKTime software to "Import" rather than "Open." Empty .dat file Data already cleared from device Key Characteristics: It is a flat-file database format
Often encoded in a way that makes it unreadable in standard Word processors. 🛠️ How to Read ZKTeco DAT Files 🛠️ How to Read ZKTeco DAT Files Use
Use the ReadGeneralLogData function to pull logs from the device memory.
The ZKTeco data file—commonly known as the .dat file—is the backbone of communication between biometric hardware and management software. For IT administrators and HR professionals, understanding how to read, extract, and interpret this file is essential for accurate payroll and attendance tracking.