DIR File

What are DIR files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DIR 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 DIR file?

DIR files have multiple uses, and CP Backup Directory is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

CP Backup Directory

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 DIR files

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

Last updated: December 27, 2022

All known file formats using extension .DIR

While CP Backup Directory is a popular type of DIR-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .DIR file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Macromedia Director Project

We know that one DIR format is Macromedia Director Project. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Macromedia/Adobe Director Project

Files that contain the .dir file extension are movie or animation project files that the Macromedia Director, later Adobe Director, software application has created.

The Macromedia Director software program is used to create and edit videos. The DIR files used by the program include project resources, scripting code, a timeline, and links to other associated media files. The DIR files are the project file and are not usually distributed to the end-user as the actual movie file.

A DIR file helps determine how a movie is played within a media player. Macromedia, the company that created the Director program and the DIR file format, was taken over by Adobe in 2005.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DIR files. Remember, different programs may use DIR 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 DIR file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.