01 · Front view · enlarged drawing
USB-A
USB-A
How to recognize it: Wide rectangle; an inner insert sits off-center. Bigger than the small phone-style ends.
- Often confused with
- USB-C has rounded ends.
- Commonly seen on
- Computer peripherals and hubs.
Cable and connector identifier: name that plug from a picture
What is this cable called? Start with the metal tip, not the plastic housing. Compare 12 common plug shapes below, or narrow your search with three clues.
Identical-looking connectors may support different speeds or power levels; check your device’s manual.
Which one do I have?
Look straight at the unplugged tip. “Symmetric” here means the entire tip looks the same after a half-turn, including its inner insert. Do not test by forcing it into a port.
Answer all three questions to see possible matches.
How the selector works
Each matching use clue adds 4 points, half-turn symmetry adds 3, and size adds 2. It shows up to three of the highest-scoring shapes within 2 points of the best match; ties follow atlas order. These are visual suggestions, not a definitive identification.
12 common cable ends
Original front-view drawings use a common relative scale. They are enlarged, not a measuring template; internal details are simplified. Micro-USB and Mini-USB here mean the common B-shaped ends.
02 · Front view · enlarged drawing
USB-C
USB-C
How to recognize it: Small, hollow, rounded capsule with matching upper and lower halves. Its opening is wider than it is tall.
- Often confused with
- Micro-USB has angular edges; Lightning is a solid blade.
- Commonly seen on
- Phones, tablets and laptops.
03 · Front view · enlarged drawing
Micro-USB (Micro-B)
Micro-USB (Micro-B)
How to recognize it: Very shallow, with angled shoulders and unequal top and bottom outlines. Flatter than Mini-USB.
- Often confused with
- Micro HDMI and Mini-USB; compare the shoulder shape.
- Commonly seen on
- Older phones and small accessories.
04 · Front view · enlarged drawing
Mini-USB (Mini-B)
Mini-USB (Mini-B)
How to recognize it: Small but relatively tall, with stepped, sloping sides. Its profile is chunkier than Micro-USB.
- Often confused with
- Micro-USB is much flatter.
- Commonly seen on
- Older cameras and navigation units.
05 · Front view · enlarged drawing
USB-B (printer)
USB-B (impresora)
How to recognize it: Near-square metal end with two beveled upper corners. Much taller than USB-A.
- Often confused with
- Mini-USB is smaller and has stepped sides.
- Commonly seen on
- Printers and desktop audio equipment.
06 · Front view · enlarged drawing
Lightning (Apple)
Lightning (Apple)
How to recognize it: Thin, solid blade with rounded ends, rather than a hollow opening. Flat contacts sit on its broad faces, not on the tip shown here.
- Often confused with
- USB-C has a hollow opening.
- Commonly seen on
- Some Apple phones, tablets and accessories.
07 · Front view · enlarged drawing
HDMI (standard / Type A)
HDMI (estándar / tipo A)
How to recognize it: Wide, flattened shell with both lower corners sloping inward. Larger than Mini and Micro HDMI.
- Often confused with
- DisplayPort has just one clipped corner.
- Commonly seen on
- TVs, game consoles and displays.
08 · Front view · enlarged drawing
Mini HDMI (Type C)
Mini HDMI (tipo C)
How to recognize it: A small, shallow HDMI-shaped opening with sloping corners. Wider than Micro HDMI but smaller than standard HDMI.
- Often confused with
- Mini-USB has a taller, stepped outline.
- Commonly seen on
- Cameras and portable recording devices.
09 · Front view · enlarged drawing
Micro HDMI (Type D)
Micro HDMI (tipo D)
How to recognize it: Tiny HDMI end with a narrow mouth and angular outline. Smaller than Mini HDMI and taller-looking than the flat Micro-USB end.
- Often confused with
- Micro-USB; use the device label as a second clue.
- Commonly seen on
- Small cameras and compact computers.
10 · Front view · enlarged drawing
DisplayPort (standard)
DisplayPort (estándar)
How to recognize it: Broad rectangle with a single diagonally clipped corner. Similar in overall size to a standard HDMI end.
- Often confused with
- HDMI has two matching sloping corners.
- Commonly seen on
- Computer monitors and desktop graphics cards.
11 · Front view · enlarged drawing
3.5 mm audio
Audio de 3.5 mm
How to recognize it: Round metal pin, seen here straight at the tip. Turn it sideways to see the insulating rings along the shaft.
- Often confused with
- Other round audio plugs; size and ring patterns need a closer look.
- Commonly seen on
- Headphones, speakers and auxiliary audio inputs.
12 · Front view · enlarged drawing
RJ45 Ethernet (8P8C)
Ethernet RJ45 (8P8C)
How to recognize it: Boxy plug with eight contact positions and a locking clip. Wider than a telephone plug.
- Often confused with
- RJ11 telephone plugs are narrower.
- Commonly seen on
- Routers, switches and wired computer networks.
USB-C vs Micro-USB
USB-C has a rounded, hollow capsule shape. Micro-USB has angular shoulders and unequal top and bottom edges. Use the outline and inner insert as clues; cable color is not an identifier.
Questions about cable names
How can I identify a cable from its shape?
Look at the unplugged end head-on, then compare its outline, inner insert and relative size with the drawings. Check the device label or manual before choosing a cable.
What is the visual difference between USB-C and Micro-USB?
USB-C has a rounded capsule opening. Micro-USB has angular shoulders and different top and bottom outlines.
What if none of the pictures matches my cable?
This atlas covers 12 common ends, not every connector. Check the device model and manual, and do not force an unfamiliar plug into a port.
Sources
- Legrand / C2G — USB connector guide
- USB-IF — USB Type-C connector drawings
- Apple — Lightning connector photographs
- Intel — standard, Mini and Micro HDMI
- HDMI Licensing — connector types
- VESA / DisplayPort — connector guide
- Legrand / C2G — digital video connector photographs
- Legrand / C2G — audio connector guide
- Legrand / C2G — modular connector guide
Shop cables and adapters
These are cable options from our store, not automatic matches to your selector result. Check the product details and your device manual before choosing.
USB-C cable with adjustable holder
Cable and holder for a desk setup.
View product details →USB Type-C cable with display
A cable with a built-in display.
View product details →USB-C dash camera hardwire kit
A specialized installation kit for a dash camera.
View product details →