CH$ File

What are CH$ files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CH$ 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 CH$ files.

What is a CH$ file?

A .CH$ file is a ZX Spectrum CHR$ Bitmap file.

ZX Spectrum CHR$ Bitmap is an image format used for storing character-cell graphics from ZX Spectrum creator tools. It captures image data at the level of 8×8 pixel cells ("characters"), each cell having its own bitmap and optional attribute/color information. The format allows editing and saving custom graphics composed of such character arrays and is generally used for graphics tools or editors made for the ZX Spectrum or Spectrum-style art workflows.

Data is written by programs that support editing in "chr$" format, which may allow mixing monochrome or full-color blocks ("attributes"), variable image dimensions expressed in cells, and specialized modes such as "gigascreen" where cells hold two frames. Once saved, the file can later be loaded by these editors to continue editing, or converted to more basic ZX Spectrum screen / attribute data for display or emulation.

Files always begin with a seven-byte header: the ASCII signature chr$ followed by width and height in cells, then a byte specifying bytes per cell (for example 9 = monochrome + attributes mode, 18 = gigascreen mode). Following the header, image data is arranged in 8×8 cell blocks in linear, interleaved order.

How to open CH$ files

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