LoTW uses four kinds of files, distinguished by Filename Extension.
Filename Extension | Icon | File Type | Created By | Usage |
.tq5 | ![]() | Callsign Certificate Request | TQSL | Callsign Certificate Request File submitted to ARRL |
.tq6 | ![]() | Callsign Certificate | ARRL | Callsign Certificate File referenced and managed by TQSL (cannot be backed-up, recovered, or moved to another PC) |
.tq8 | ![]() | Digitally Signed Log | TQSL or logging application | Digitally Signed Log File submitted to LoTW |
.p12 | ![]() | Personal Information Exchange | TQSL | Certificate Container File managed by TQSL; can be backed-up, recovered, or moved to another PC |
.tbk | ![]() | TQSL Backup | TQSL | Backup File created by TQSL that contains all certificates, station locations, and preferences in a form that can be backed-up, recovered, or moved to another PC |