AKP File

What are AKP files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an AKP file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your AKP files.

What is an AKP file?

An .AKP file is an Akai AKP Format file.

Akai's AKP format is a program file used by the S5000 and S6000 series hardware samplers. It holds configuration and assignment data that tells the sampler how to use and play back linked audio samples - such as key mappings, loops, modulation and filter settings - rather than containing the sampled sound data itself. Musicians store instrument definitions in AKP files and keep the referenced audio (WAV files) separately.

AKP files are created and read by Akai Professional's samplers - they are what the sampler uses as an "instrument" file. These files are also supported by third-party software tools like Awave Studio and Chicken Systems Translator that convert or edit sampler programs. When exporting from software such as Propellerhead ReCycle, an AKP file will refer to its sample files which must reside in the same folder as the AKP so the sampler or conversion tool can load them properly.

Technically, the AKP format is built on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) structure. It begins with the ASCII header RIFF, followed by chunks including a 'kgrp' chunk which holds nine subchunks in fixed order. These subchunks include ones labelled 'prg ', 'out ', 'lfo ', 'zone' and others that store settings like amplitude, looping, filter mode, LFO shape, and sample references. The RIFF header's size field is nonstandard (often set to zero) and chunk names may repeat within the file.

How to open AKP files

Important: Different programs may use files with the AKP file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your AKP file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested five different AKP openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of AKP files. Remember, different programs may use AKP files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

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