CC3D File

What are CC3D files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CC3D 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 CC3D files.

What is a CC3D file?

A .CC3D file is a CompuCell3D Project file.

CompuCell3D project files store all the resources needed to run and manage a cell‐based simulation in the CompuCell3D tool suite. A simulation written for CompuCell3D is typically built using configuration files in XML (known as CC3DML), Python scripts, PIF files, parameter scan specifications, and possibly external data fields. The project file names this bundle of components and records where each is located inside a common directory structure, so that everything a simulation needs is gathered together.

These files are generated and read by the CompuCell3D software (version 3.6.0 and later) and are used via its model editor (Twedit++) and the Player application. When starting with version 3.6.0 the project file became the only supported way to open, share, and run simulations. All simulation resources are kept relative to the project file's folder. Whenever the simulation is run, CompuCell3D copies the referenced XML, Python, PIF, and field files into the output or results directory (unless an attribute explicitly prevents copying), so that results remain tied to the exact set of resources used to produce them.

Internally the project file is an XML‐format document. Its top element is <Simulation> (with a version attribute), and its child elements include <XMLScript> and <PythonScript> for the primary model files, <PIFFile> for PIF inputs, and <Resource> elements for additional files. Each such element specifies a path relative to the project file's directory, and may include attributes such as Type (e.g. "Python", "Field") or Copy (e.g. Copy="No") to control whether the resource is duplicated into the result folder.

Byte signatures include an ASCII header that begins with "<Simulation version=" at offset 0, strings like "SIMULATION VERSION", "PYTHONSCRIPT TYPE", "RESOURCE TYPE" embedded within the XML, and generally the file begins with XML syntax including a version attribute.

How to open CC3D files

Important: Different programs may use files with the CC3D file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your CC3D 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 31, 2026

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