CN3 File

What are CN3 files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CN3 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 CN3 files.

What is a CN3 file?

A .CN3 file is a Nord Electro 2 Program Bank file.

A Nord Electro 2 Program Bank file stores a complete collection of user-or factory preset Programs as used by the Nord Electro 2 keyboard instrument. These Programs include settings for selecting the sound engine (organ or electric-piano-type samples), effect parameters, split points, transposition, and other performance controls. The file serves to back up or transfer multiple Programs between the Electro 2's internal memory and a computer or between different units, helping restore or replicate the instrument's sound setup.

Files are created and used by the Electo 2's vendor tools - specifically the Nord Electro Tool and the Nord Sound Manager software. Users can upload an entire Program Bank from the Electro 2 to a computer, edit or archive it, and later download it back to the Electro 2 to replace or restore one of its Banks. The Electro 2's front-panel selection assigns Programs by choosing a Bank (labeled A through F) and then one of eight Program slots in that Bank.

Internally the Program Bank file begins with a fixed ASCII header signature "CNE3" at offset 0x0, indicating its type.

How to open CN3 files

Important: Different programs may use files with the CN3 file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your CN3 file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested three different CN3 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 CN3 files. Remember, different programs may use CN3 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 CN3 file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.