Syft
UnclaimedGenerate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.
Visit WebsiteFreeVisit Website
Tracked since2026
0 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Comprehensive SBOM generation for diverse software components
Biggest con
Primarily a CLI tool, which might require command-line familiarity
TL;DR - Syft
- Generates Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from various software artifacts.
- Supports a wide range of packaging ecosystems and container image formats.
- Integrates seamlessly with vulnerability scanners like Grype for enhanced security.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is Syft?
Syft is a powerful CLI tool and Go library designed for generating Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from various sources, including container images, filesystems, and archives. It helps developers and security teams gain transparency into the components of their software, which is crucial for identifying potential vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance.
This tool supports a wide array of packaging ecosystems, such as Alpine, Debian, RPM, Go, Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, Rust, PHP, and .NET, among many others. It also works with popular image formats like OCI, Docker, and Singularity. Syft is particularly valuable when integrated with vulnerability scanners like Grype, enabling comprehensive security analysis of software artifacts.
Syft is ideal for developers, DevOps engineers, security professionals, and anyone involved in software supply chain security. It provides multiple output formats, including CycloneDX, SPDX, and Syft JSON, and can even convert between SBOM formats. Its ability to create signed SBOM attestations using the in-toto specification further enhances trust and integrity in the software supply chain.
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive SBOM generation for diverse software components
- Broad support for packaging ecosystems and image formats
- Seamless integration with vulnerability scanning tools like Grype
- Multiple output formats and SBOM conversion capabilities
- Enhances software supply chain security with signed attestations
Cons
- Primarily a CLI tool, which might require command-line familiarity
- Requires integration with other tools (like Grype) for full vulnerability detection
Preview
Key Features
Generates SBOMs for container images, filesystems, and archivesSupports dozens of packaging ecosystems (e.g., Alpine, Debian, RPM, Go, Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, Rust, PHP, .NET)Supports OCI, Docker, and Singularity image formatsWorks seamlessly with Grype for vulnerability scanningProvides multiple output formats (CycloneDX, SPDX, Syft JSON, and more)Ability to convert between SBOM formatsCreates signed SBOM attestations using the in-toto specification
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked May 28, 2026
Open Source
Free
- Full source code access
- Apache License 2.0 license
- Community support
- Self-hosted
Reviews
Be the first to review Syft
Your take helps the next buyer. Verified LinkedIn reviewers get a badge.
Write a reviewBest Syft Alternatives
Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.
Still deciding?
Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.
Explore More
Syft FAQ
What types of scan targets does Syft support for generating SBOMs?
Syft can generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) for various scan targets, including container images, filesystems, and archives. The documentation provides a comprehensive list of all supported targets.
Which packaging ecosystems are supported by Syft for dependency analysis?
Syft supports a wide range of packaging ecosystems, such as Alpine (apk), Debian (dpkg), RPM, Go, Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, Rust, PHP, and .NET. This broad support allows for detailed dependency analysis across diverse projects.
How does Syft integrate with Grype for vulnerability detection?
Syft works seamlessly with Grype, a vulnerability scanner, to enhance security analysis. After generating an SBOM with Syft, the output can be fed into Grype for effective vulnerability detection.
What output formats are available for the SBOMs generated by Syft?
Syft supports multiple output formats for SBOMs, including CycloneDX, SPDX, and its own Syft JSON format. It also offers the capability to convert between different SBOM formats.
Can Syft create signed SBOM attestations?
Yes, Syft can create signed SBOM attestations. This functionality is achieved by utilizing the in-toto specification, providing a verifiable record of the SBOM's integrity.
What image formats can Syft process when generating SBOMs from container images?
Syft is compatible with several popular image formats, including OCI, Docker, and Singularity. This ensures broad applicability when analyzing containerized applications.
Source: github.com