---
title: Handler reference atom
framework: quicktime-file-format
role: symbol
role_heading: Data field
path: quicktime-file-format/media_atom/handler_reference_atom
---

# Handler reference atom

This atom identifies the media handler component that is to be used to interpret the media data.

## Overview

Overview See Handler reference atom ('hdlr') for more information. Note that the handler reference atom tells you the kind of media this media atom contains—for example, video or sound. The layout of the media information atom is specific to the media handler that is to interpret the media. Media information atoms discusses how data may be stored in a media, using the video media format defined by Apple as an example.

## See Also

### Data fields

- [Size](quicktime-file-format/media_atom/size.md)
- [Type](quicktime-file-format/media_atom/type.md)
- [Media header atom](quicktime-file-format/media_atom/media_header_atom.md)
- [Extended language tag atom](quicktime-file-format/media_atom/extended_language_tag_atom.md)
- [Media information atom](quicktime-file-format/media_atom/media_information_atom.md)
- [User data atom](quicktime-file-format/media_atom/user_data_atom.md)