BFF File

What are BFF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BFF 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 BFF files.

What is a BFF file?

A .BFF file is an AIX Backup File Format file.

AIX Backup File Format files are archive files used by IBM's AIX UNIX systems either to store complete or partial file system backups (made with the "backup" command) or to distribute software packages (Licensed Program Products, or filesets) via the "installp" command.

Backups hold copies of files or entire directory trees, preserving directory structure, file metadata, and optionally extended attributes and access control lists. Software package archives contain installable filesets plus control files and any custom content required for product installation or updates.

"backup" writes the archive; "restore" reads it. For packages, "bffcreate" generates such archive files for installp or update via AIX packaging tools.

These files begin with a 4-byte big-endian magic number at offset 0: either 0x09006BEA (standard) or 0x09006FEA (variant). Internal markers include text strings such as BY NAME and LPP_NAME among other header field strings and offsets.

How to open BFF files

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

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

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

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

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about BFF file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.