CCI File

What are CCI files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CCI 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 CCI files.

What is a CCI file?

A .CCI file is a Compressed Champions' Interlace Bitmap file.

Compressed Champions' Interlace Bitmap files store color-interlaced still images originally created for Atari 8-bit computers using the "Champions' Interlace" viewing or editing tool. These images exploit a display technique that alternates high-color graphics modes on successive scanlines to simulate more colors than either mode supports alone. The compressed bitmap version reduces file size compared to the uncompressed version while retaining the same visual effect and resolution.

These bitmaps are commonly sized at 160 by 192 pixels. The image format is intended to be written by the Champions' Interlace tool when compression is selected; the resulting file requires a compatible image viewer or editor (such as the RECOIL system) to decode and display by reversing the compression and composing the alternating scanlines into the interlaced final image.

Files begin with a specific byte signature that identifies them as this format: the ASCII characters CIN1 (bytes 0x43 0x49 0x4E 0x20) followed by "1." at the start of the file (offset 0) indicate it is a compressed Champions' Interlace Bitmap.

How to open CCI files

Important: Different programs may use files with the CCI file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your CCI 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 CCI openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 31, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of CCI files. Remember, different programs may use CCI 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 CCI file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.