GTP File

What are GTP files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a GTP 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 GTP files.

What is a GTP file?

GTP files have multiple uses, and Gerber Top Solder Paste is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Gerber Top Solder Paste File

Gerber Top Solder Paste files are a special kind of Gerber format used in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing for surface-mount technology (SMT). They describe where solder paste should be deposited on the top side of the board during assembly. These files are output by PCB CAD tools as part of the fabrication data set, and are used by stencil makers and SMT assemblers - not typically edited directly by designers.

The top paste file is produced during the design export or CAM preparation stage after the PCB layout is finalized. It typically includes only those pads for surface-mounted components (SMDs) that require paste on the top side. Downstream, the paste file is used to create the stencil that applies solder paste before placing components and reflowing. It aligns with the scheme of layers like copper, solder mask, silkscreen etc., each exported separately.

Technically, this format is part of the Gerber Layer Format (RS-274X, also in its extended forms X2/X3) defined by Ucamco. The file includes a FileFunction attribute set to "Paste,Top" to identify it as the top solder paste layer. Images and apertures follow Gerber rules of exposure, unit specification, polarity and flash/draw commands. The file is ASCII text in vector form and begins with header directives and attributes, followed by drawing primitives.

How to open GTP files

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

Programs that open Gerber Top Solder Paste files

Last updated: August 6, 2026

All known file formats using extension .GTP

While Gerber Top Solder Paste File is a popular type of GTP-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .GTP file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

GIMP Tool Preset

We know that one GTP format is GIMP Tool Preset. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

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

Guitar Pro Tablature

Guitar Pro Tablature (.gtp) files store musical tablature and score data created and used by Guitar Pro versions 1 and 2, software developed by Arobas Music. These files are intended for writing, editing and playing back compositions for stringed instruments like guitar or bass. They hold notation in both tablature-style (indicating string and fret positions) and rhythmic information so the score can be printed, edited, and listened to via software. They do not contain recorded audio data - playback is generated by the program using MIDI-style synthesis.

The .gtp format predates the later versions of Guitar Pro that use extensions such as .gp3, .gp4, .gp5, .gpx, and .gp. Files in this legacy format are fully supported for opening and editing in newer Guitar Pro versions. Typical contents include multiple tracks (e.g. guitar, bass, drums), measures, note durations, effects common to guitar playing (bends, slides, hammer-ons/pull-offs, vibrato), as well as metadata like tempo, tuning, and possibly lyrics or chord diagrams.

Technical detail: files begin with the ASCII header "FICHIER GUITARE PRO v1.0" (hex: 19 46 49 43 48 49 45 52 20 47 55 49 54 41 52 45 20 50 52 4F 20 76 31 2E 30) to identify them as Guitar Pro version 1 format files.

GTP opener for Windows

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

Various apps that use files with this extension

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