CVS File

What are CVS files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CVS 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 CVS files.

What is a CVS file?

A .CVS file is a Satori Paint Canvas file.

Satori Paint Canvas files are the working format used by Satori, a resolution-independent, object-based paint and graphics program from Spaceward Graphics Ltd. They store an image as editable objects rather than fixed pixels, allowing the composition to be modified freely at any resolution. Common objects include brush strokes, geometric shapes, imported images, text, filters, layers with masks, user masks, and alpha channels.

These files are intended for ongoing editing: they keep all layer, mask, and object data intact until the artwork is output in a bitmap (raster) format. When exported, the objects are flattened unless the target format supports layers or transparency. Bitmaps imported into the canvas remain fixed at their original resolution; brushes and other vector-like objects are re-rendered as needed for display or output.

Canvas files are distinct from Satori's native raster format (.RIR). While .RIR is used for efficient handling of large bitmap images (often for performance), canvas files preserve full editability. The CanvasFX plug-in for Photoshop uses filter definitions stored in canvas files so that complex effects can be applied as single actions.

Internally, canvas files often begin with a signature string identifying the format, such as "GLCWINDpicturefile(c)SpacewardGraphicsLtd" at the start of the file, and include keywords like "GLCOBJ_STRUC_GENERIC" among their internal structure.

How to open CVS files

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

Last updated: September 19, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

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

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File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about CVS file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.