BLIF File

What are BLIF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BLIF 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 BLIF files.

What is a BLIF file?

A .BLIF file is a Berkeley Logic Interchange Format file.

Berkeley Logic Interchange Format files store logic-level circuit descriptions as netlists in a plain-text form, describing both combinational and sequential digital logic. They are created by tools in the Verilog-to-Routing (VTR) flow, such as ODIN II which converts Verilog designs into a logic network encoded in this format, and are used downstream by programs like ABC for optimization and VPR for packing, placement, and routing onto FPGA architectures.

Each file represents a hierarchical or flattened circuit comprised of logic elements (e.g. two-level boolean functions), latches (memory elements), inputs, outputs, and instances of subcircuits ("black-box" modules). Models inside a file define inputs and outputs via keywords, specify combinational logic via truth-tables using .names, sequential elements via .latch, and hierarchical module references via .subckt. The format supports the description of external don't-care functions and hierarchical models; feedback loops must include at least one latch to be well-formed.

Internal markers identify a valid file of this type: files begin with .model at the start of the main (top-level) circuit declaration. The signature of the first bytes is ASCII for ".model" (hex 2E 6D 6F 64656C20) at offset zero.

How to open BLIF files

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

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: August 24, 2026

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