Visual identification
Identify the connector.
Start with a marking or broad outline. Add only the clues you can observe safely.
Do not trial-fit, probe, disassemble or inspect live contacts. Filters are documentation clues, never an identification verdict or mating approval.
Same general silhouette ≠ same connector
Step 1
What does it look like?
Pick the closest outline. You can change it at any time, and nothing here confirms an identification.
Round / cylindricalAudio jacks, XLR, DIN, coax, barrel67 forms
Flat / rectangularUSB, HDMI, DisplayPort, IEC C1362 forms
Flat blades or blade slotsMains plugs and sockets, SATA power25 forms
Pin header or wire-to-board housingATX, PCIe power, fan, JST23 forms
Card / exposed edgeM.2, PCIe, memory cards, SFP20 forms
D-shaped multi-contactVGA, DVI, serial8 forms
Optical housingLC, SC, ST, TOSLINK5 forms
Modular / latchRJ45, RJ11 phone5 forms
Tiny snap-on RFU.FL and MHF antenna leads3 forms
Magnetic contact stripMagSafe3 forms- Flat flex (FPC) socketDisplay and camera flex2 forms
Step 2 · optional
Where is it used?
Step 3 · optional
How many contacts can you count?
Count only a disconnected, unpowered connector. Forms without a documented count stay in the results.
Candidates in this atlas
More ways to identify
Guided shape identification / six starting areas
A clue, not a guess.
Choose the general form, check whether your example is a plug or receptacle, and compare equivalent views. You may finish with insufficient information; that is a valid, safer answer.
Evidence boundary
Existing source-linked illustrations only. An outline never confirms mating, electrical wiring, speed, power or a safe connection.
How to read an illustration ↗Browse visually, without scripts
Every contrast below works with JavaScript disabled. Open the original side-by-side studies, read viewpoint and source limits, then return to the native Port Finder filters if you have a documented marking.
USB connectors 2 comparisons
Look at the shell and additional collar; a USB shape does not tell you data speed or charging power.
Display & video 3 comparisons
Compare similar-size video openings only from an equivalent viewing side.
3.5 mm audio 1 comparison
Compare insulating bands in a plug-side view, without inferring microphone wiring.
Modular & network 1 comparison
Contact positions and populated contacts are not a cable wiring assignment.
Storage cables 1 comparison
Check the L-key and relative opening family, not power or pin assignments.
Round power & coax 2 comparisons
Similar circular shells often need exact manufacturer part information and measurements.
No visible match? Do not force a fit or experiment with powered parts. Browse the complete connector directory · Understand uncertain results · See coverage limits
{"groups":[{"id":"usb","title":"USB connectors","intro":"Look at the shell and additional collar; a USB shape does not tell you data speed or charging power.","pairs":["usb-a-usb-c","usb-b-superspeed-b"]},{"id":"video","title":"Display & video","intro":"Compare similar-size video openings only from an equivalent viewing side.","pairs":["hdmi-a-mini","mini-micro-hdmi","displayport-mini-dp"]},{"id":"audio","title":"3.5 mm audio","intro":"Compare insulating bands in a plug-side view, without inferring microphone wiring.","pairs":["trs-trrs"]},{"id":"modular","title":"Modular & network","intro":"Contact positions and populated contacts are not a cable wiring assignment.","pairs":["eightp-eightc-sixp-fourc"]},{"id":"storage","title":"Storage cables","intro":"Check the L-key and relative opening family, not power or pin assignments.","pairs":["sata-data-power"]},{"id":"round","title":"Round power & coax","intro":"Similar circular shells often need exact manufacturer part information and measurements.","pairs":["sma-rp-sma","barrel-21-25"]}],"pairs":[{"id":"usb-a-usb-c","title":"USB Type-A or USB Type-C","role":"cable-plug","view":"front","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"specimens-v98-p001-plug","recordID":"P001","title":"USB Type-A","cue":"Rectangular metal shell","viewpoint":"Mating-face outline","asset":"/assets/specimens/v98/P001-plug.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/usb-type-a/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v98-p001-plug/","sourceRefs":["VS98-USB"],"scope":"Qualitative recognition study interpreted from the pictured manufacturer example. Inner contacts, exact dimensions and hidden surfaces are omitted.","alt":"USB Type-A: cable-end plug, mating-face outline. Rectangular plug shell with a simplified offset insert. Not to scale; no pinout."},{"viewID":"specimens-v98-p004-plug","recordID":"P004","title":"USB Type-C","cue":"Rounded, reversible outline","viewpoint":"Mating-face outline","asset":"/assets/specimens/v98/P004-plug.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/usb-type-c/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v98-p004-plug/","sourceRefs":["VS98-USB"],"scope":"Qualitative recognition study interpreted from the pictured manufacturer example. Inner contacts, exact dimensions and hidden surfaces are omitted.","alt":"USB Type-C: cable-end plug, mating-face outline. Rounded plug shell around an open center. Not to scale; no pinout."}]},{"id":"usb-b-superspeed-b","title":"USB Type-B or SuperSpeed USB Type-B","role":"cable-plug","view":"oblique","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"v157-usb2-recognition","recordID":"P002","title":"USB Type-B","cue":"Bevelled, near-square shell","viewpoint":"Observed oblique plug view","asset":"/assets/specimens/v157/v157-usb2-recognition.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/usb-type-b/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/v157-usb2-recognition/","sourceRefs":["V157-USB2"],"scope":"Bevelled, near-square shell; One Type-B cable end, not a device socket; Exact contacts and tolerances are omitted","alt":"USB-B / legacy cable end. Bevelled, near-square shell. One Type-B cable end, not a device socket. Exact contacts and tolerances are omitted. No dimensions are plotted. Not to scale."},{"viewID":"v157-usb3-recognition","recordID":"P003","title":"SuperSpeed USB Type-B","cue":"Stacked, taller shell profile","viewpoint":"Observed oblique plug view","asset":"/assets/specimens/v157/v157-usb3-recognition.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/superspeed-usb-type-b/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/v157-usb3-recognition/","sourceRefs":["V157-USB3"],"scope":"Stacked, taller shell profile; Separate upper and lower regions; Colour is not a capability verdict","alt":"SuperSpeed USB-B / taller cable end. Stacked, taller shell profile. Separate upper and lower regions. Colour is not a capability verdict. No dimensions or contact positions are plotted. Not to scale."}]},{"id":"hdmi-a-mini","title":"HDMI Type-A or Mini HDMI Type-C","role":"device-receptacle","view":"front","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"v146-hdmi-a-board-face","recordID":"P008","title":"HDMI Type-A","cue":"Angled lower shoulders; central tongue.","viewpoint":"Mating face / without-flange family","asset":"/assets/specimens/v146/v146-hdmi-a-board-face.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/hdmi-type-a/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/v146-hdmi-a-board-face/","sourceRefs":["V146-S606"],"scope":"Angled lower shoulders; central tongue. Front view is not the board footprint.","alt":"HDMI Type-A. Mating face / without-flange family. Angled lower shoulders; central tongue. Qualitative source study, not an exact mating drawing or pinout."},{"viewID":"v146-mini-hdmi-board-face","recordID":"P009","title":"Mini HDMI Type-C","cue":"Shallow keyed mouth; central contact region.","viewpoint":"Mating face / selected -2 receptacle","asset":"/assets/specimens/v146/v146-mini-hdmi-board-face.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/mini-hdmi-type-c/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/v146-mini-hdmi-board-face/","sourceRefs":["V146-S607"],"scope":"Shallow keyed mouth; central contact region. The -1 variant is on a different sheet.","alt":"Mini HDMI Type-C. Mating face / selected -2 receptacle. Shallow keyed mouth; central contact region. Qualitative source study, not an exact mating drawing or pinout."}]},{"id":"mini-micro-hdmi","title":"Mini HDMI Type-C or Micro HDMI Type-D","role":"device-receptacle","view":"front","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"v146-mini-hdmi-board-face","recordID":"P009","title":"Mini HDMI Type-C","cue":"Shallow keyed mouth; central contact region.","viewpoint":"Mating face / selected -2 receptacle","asset":"/assets/specimens/v146/v146-mini-hdmi-board-face.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/mini-hdmi-type-c/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/v146-mini-hdmi-board-face/","sourceRefs":["V146-S607"],"scope":"Shallow keyed mouth; central contact region. The -1 variant is on a different sheet.","alt":"Mini HDMI Type-C. Mating face / selected -2 receptacle. Shallow keyed mouth; central contact region. Qualitative source study, not an exact mating drawing or pinout."},{"viewID":"v146-micro-hdmi-board-face","recordID":"P010","title":"Micro HDMI Type-D","cue":"Small stepped opening with lower shoulders.","viewpoint":"Mating face / named SMT receptacle","asset":"/assets/specimens/v146/v146-micro-hdmi-board-face.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/micro-hdmi-type-d/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/v146-micro-hdmi-board-face/","sourceRefs":["V146-S608"],"scope":"Small stepped opening with lower shoulders. Named Würth example, not TE equivalence.","alt":"Micro HDMI Type-D. Mating face / named SMT receptacle. Small stepped opening with lower shoulders. Qualitative source study, not an exact mating drawing or pinout."}]},{"id":"displayport-mini-dp","title":"DisplayPort connector or Mini DisplayPort connector","role":"cable-plug","view":"front","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"specimens-v98-p011-plug","recordID":"P011","title":"DisplayPort connector","cue":"One angled corner of the shell","viewpoint":"Mating-face outline","asset":"/assets/specimens/v98/P011-plug.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/displayport-connector/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v98-p011-plug/","sourceRefs":["VS98-VIDEO"],"scope":"Qualitative recognition study interpreted from the pictured manufacturer example. Inner contacts, exact dimensions and hidden surfaces are omitted.","alt":"DisplayPort connector: cable-end plug, mating-face outline. Plug shell with a single clipped corner; internal detail omitted. Not to scale; no pinout."},{"viewID":"specimens-v98-p012-plug","recordID":"P012","title":"Mini DisplayPort connector","cue":"Compact, near-rectangular shell","viewpoint":"Mating-face outline","asset":"/assets/specimens/v98/P012-plug.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/mini-displayport-connector/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v98-p012-plug/","sourceRefs":["VS98-VIDEO"],"scope":"Qualitative recognition study interpreted from the pictured manufacturer example. Inner contacts, exact dimensions and hidden surfaces are omitted.","alt":"Mini DisplayPort connector: cable-end plug, mating-face outline. Compact near-rectangular plug shell; contact detail omitted. Not to scale; no pinout."}]},{"id":"trs-trrs","title":"3.5 mm TRS connector or 3.5 mm TRRS connector","role":"cable-plug","view":"side","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"specimens-v113-p019-jack-35-trs","recordID":"P019","title":"3.5 mm TRS connector","cue":"Two insulating bands / three metal sections","viewpoint":"Side exterior of cable plug; longitudinal insulator cues","asset":"/assets/specimens/v113/P019-jack-35-trs.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/3-5-mm-trs-connector/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v113-p019-jack-35-trs/","sourceRefs":["S022"],"scope":"Band counts are intentional; length, spacing and tip proportions are unmeasured.","alt":"3.5 mm TRS connector: Two insulating bands / three metal sections. Side exterior of cable plug; longitudinal insulator cues. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide."},{"viewID":"specimens-v113-p020-jack-35-trrs","recordID":"P020","title":"3.5 mm TRRS connector","cue":"Three insulating bands / four metal sections","viewpoint":"Side exterior of cable plug; longitudinal insulator cues","asset":"/assets/specimens/v113/P020-jack-35-trrs.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/3-5-mm-trrs-connector/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v113-p020-jack-35-trrs/","sourceRefs":["S023"],"scope":"Band counts are intentional; length, spacing and tip proportions are unmeasured.","alt":"3.5 mm TRRS connector: Three insulating bands / four metal sections. Side exterior of cable plug; longitudinal insulator cues. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide."}]},{"id":"eightp-eightc-sixp-fourc","title":"8P8C modular connector (commonly called RJ45) or 6P4C modular plug (often sold as RJ11)","role":"cable-plug","view":"mixed","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"specimens-v113-p018-modular-eight","recordID":"P018","title":"8P8C modular connector (commonly called RJ45)","cue":"Wider eight-position modular body","viewpoint":"Cable-end exterior front/underside concept; latch indicated, not a wiring view","asset":"/assets/specimens/v113/P018-modular-eight.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/8p8c-modular-connector-commonly-called-rj45/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v113-p018-modular-eight/","sourceRefs":["S020","S021"],"scope":"The short interior strokes are position-count glyphs, not contact placement or wiring.","alt":"8P8C modular connector (commonly called RJ45): Wider eight-position modular body. Cable-end exterior front/underside concept; latch indicated, not a wiring view. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide."},{"viewID":"specimens-v113-p111-modular-six","recordID":"P111","title":"6P4C modular plug (often sold as RJ11)","cue":"Narrower six-position body, four populated contacts","viewpoint":"Cable-end exterior front/underside concept; latch indicated, not a wiring view","asset":"/assets/specimens/v113/P111-modular-six.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/modular-6p4c-rj11/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v113-p111-modular-six/","sourceRefs":["S091"],"scope":"The short interior strokes are position-count glyphs, not contact placement or wiring.","alt":"6P4C modular plug (often sold as RJ11): Narrower six-position body, four populated contacts. Cable-end exterior front/underside concept; latch indicated, not a wiring view. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide."}]},{"id":"sata-data-power","title":"SATA 7-pin data connector or SATA 15-pin power connector","role":"cable-plug","view":"front","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"specimens-v113-p029-sata-data","recordID":"P029","title":"SATA 7-pin data connector","cue":"Narrow seven-position data family","viewpoint":"Drive-facing female cable-plug opening concept; qualitative L-shaped key","asset":"/assets/specimens/v113/P029-sata-data.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/sata-7-pin-data-connector/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v113-p029-sata-data/","sourceRefs":["S032","S429"],"scope":"Positions are named, not drawn as electrical contacts; sizes and key tolerances are unmeasured.","alt":"SATA 7-pin data connector: Narrow seven-position data family. Drive-facing female cable-plug opening concept; qualitative L-shaped key. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide."},{"viewID":"specimens-v113-p194-sata-power","recordID":"P194","title":"SATA 15-pin power connector","cue":"Wider fifteen-position power family","viewpoint":"Drive-facing female cable-plug opening concept; qualitative L-shaped key","asset":"/assets/specimens/v113/P194-sata-power.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/sata-15-pin-power/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v113-p194-sata-power/","sourceRefs":["S200"],"scope":"Positions are named, not drawn as electrical contacts; sizes and key tolerances are unmeasured.","alt":"SATA 15-pin power connector: Wider fifteen-position power family. Drive-facing female cable-plug opening concept; qualitative L-shaped key. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide."}]},{"id":"sma-rp-sma","title":"SMA coaxial connector or RP-SMA coaxial connector","role":"cable-plug","view":"front","inconclusive":false,"sides":[{"viewID":"specimens-v113-p063-sma","recordID":"P063","title":"SMA coaxial connector","cue":"Conventional SMA contact convention","viewpoint":"Example threaded plug-side front concept; contact convention, not a mating gauge","asset":"/assets/specimens/v113/P063-sma.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/sma-connector/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v113-p063-sma/","sourceRefs":["S046"],"scope":"Small center circles depict the contact-convention distinction only; thread pitch and gender assignments are not specified.","alt":"SMA coaxial connector: Conventional SMA contact convention. Example threaded plug-side front concept; contact convention, not a mating gauge. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide."},{"viewID":"specimens-v113-p064-rp-sma","recordID":"P064","title":"RP-SMA coaxial connector","cue":"Reverse-polarity contact convention","viewpoint":"Example threaded plug-side front concept; contact convention, not a mating gauge","asset":"/assets/specimens/v113/P064-rp-sma.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/rp-sma-connector/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v113-p064-rp-sma/","sourceRefs":["S046","S047"],"scope":"Small center circles depict the contact-convention distinction only; thread pitch and gender assignments are not specified.","alt":"RP-SMA coaxial connector: Reverse-polarity contact convention. Example threaded plug-side front concept; contact convention, not a mating gauge. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide."}]},{"id":"barrel-21-25","title":"5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel connector: identification only or 5.5 x 2.5 mm barrel connector: identification only","role":"cable-plug","view":"mixed","inconclusive":true,"sides":[{"viewID":"specimens-v119-p028-barrel21","recordID":"P028","title":"5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel connector: identification only","cue":"Qualitative exterior only; not to scale. No pin numbering, device wiring, fabrication tolerance or mating approval.","viewpoint":"Side exterior and isolated end-view inset","asset":"/assets/specimens/v119/P028-barrel21.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/5-5-x-2-1-mm-barrel-connector-identification-only/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v119-p028-barrel21/","sourceRefs":["S485"],"scope":"Qualitative exterior only; not to scale. No pin numbering, device wiring, fabrication tolerance or mating approval.","alt":"Tensility 55-00051 qualitative plug exterior: exposed barrel, straight sleeve body, tapered strain relief and isolated bore inset. No wiring or scale."},{"viewID":"specimens-v119-p363-barrel25","recordID":"P363","title":"5.5 x 2.5 mm barrel connector: identification only","cue":"Qualitative exterior only; not to scale. No pin numbering, device wiring, fabrication tolerance or mating approval.","viewpoint":"Side exterior and isolated end-view inset","asset":"/assets/specimens/v119/P363-barrel25.svg","recordURL":"/connectors/5-5-x-2-5-mm-barrel-connector-identification-only/","inspectionURL":"/visual-atlas/views/specimens-v119-p363-barrel25/","sourceRefs":["S484"],"scope":"Qualitative exterior only; not to scale. No pin numbering, device wiring, fabrication tolerance or mating approval.","alt":"Tensility 55-00050 qualitative plug exterior: exposed barrel, straight sleeve body, tapered strain relief and isolated bore inset. No wiring or scale."}]}]}