CIF File Type

- The quick facts

What are CIF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CIF file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a CIF file?

CIF files have multiple uses, and BoomTracker Instrument is one of them.

BoomTracker Instrument File

We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

How to open CIF files

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

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different CIF openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: June 19, 2022

All known file formats using extension .CIF

While BoomTracker Instrument File is a popular type of CIF-file, we know of 4 different uses of the .CIF extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Caltech Intermediate Form Integrated Circuit Design

Caltech Intermediate Form file extension or .cif file is a text file format used to render descriptive instructions for integrated circuits, most commonly known as a chip. The chip is so minuscule that applying any creation or alteration using unaided human capacity is challenging. CIF addresses this problem and is now widely used to describe a chip. CIF serves as a 'microscope' that helps users see through the chip.

CIF is generated to provide integration of various research tools into a standard database structure. CIF also provides a limited set of graphic primitives that are very useful for describing the 2D shapes on the different layers of a chip. It also allows hierarchical description, making the representation brief but comprehensive.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different CIF openers which you will find listed below.

Crystallographic Information File

Crystallographic Information File (CIF) is a standard text file format for representing crystallographic information.

CIF opener for Windows

We have identified one CIF opener that is compatible with this specific type of CIF file.

More file formats using the CIF extension

Through our research of CIF files, we know that the following formats exist. However, we have not yet analyzed them in detail, and we would love to hear from you if you have information about either of them.

CleWin CIF Layout File

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of CIF files. Remember, different programs may use CIF files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.