CWY File

What are CWY files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CWY 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 CWY files.

What is a CWY file?

A .CWY file is a SongTrix Style file.

SongTrix Style files (.CWY) store the style definitions used by Songtrix (also called ChordWizard Songtrix), a program for learning and creating music. They do not store full songs, but instead define the musical backing style for how songs are arranged and performed - things like rhythm-patterns, instrument arrangements, how harmony, melody, bass, drums and scale tracks are handled. Changing a song's style by applying a CWY file will alter its musical feel without altering its melody, chords or lyrics.

Songtrix creates CWY files. Songtrix lets you select default or custom styles - such as blues, country, funk, techno and swing - arrange substyles (e.g. intro, ending, fill-ins), specify how many tracks are active, define dynamic and rhythmic behavior, set timing resolution, staff-notation layout, and other play back or print options. When using a style, Songtrix reads the CWY file and integrates its definitions into the performance and display of the song.

CWY files begin with a textual header that identifies them as ChordWizard "style" files. For example at byte offset zero there is ASCII text starting "[ChordWizardFile]" including fields like Creator, Version, Type=cwy, Subtype, StyleFlags, TrackColor, etc. These phrases, along with style keywords embedded in the file, allow Songtrix to parse the style's settings.

How to open CWY files

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

Programs that open SongTrix Style files

Last updated: August 5, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of CWY files. Remember, different programs may use CWY 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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