BKP File

What are BKP files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BKP 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 BKP files.

What is a BKP file?

A .BKP file is an Aspen Plus Simulation State Backup file.

Aspen Plus simulation state backup files store a complete snapshot of a finished process simulation, capturing both the setup (inputs) and the output results for a run that has already converged. They are created by Aspen Plus when a simulation is saved in backup mode. Their purpose is to archive all specification data and simulation results, so the simulation can later be reopened or imported without retaining intermediate convergence history.

These files are written in plain ASCII text, making them portable and readable by text editors. Aspen Plus uses them when exporting simulations for sharing between versions, machines, or for long-term storage. Upon opening a backup file, Aspen Plus rebuilds the simulation: all streams and unit operations are reinitialized and the simulation is rerun to reproduce the saved results, since the intermediate convergence steps are not included.

Internally, backup files begin with text identifying they are simulation state archives, including vendor-specific dashboard and workspace settings (for example, strings such as "THIS IS THE CURRENT STATE OF ENERGY ANALYSIS DASHBOARD", "COMMONSHELLSETTINGS.CURRENTWORKSPACE", "WORKSPACESCREENDATA.SCREENSTATE", module identifiers like "ASPENTECH.ASPENPLUS.MODULES.APWNAPPLICATION"), and keywords for process components like reactors, columns, exchangers, mixers, splitters.

How to open BKP files

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

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

Last updated: August 24, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of BKP files. Remember, different programs may use BKP 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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