MCP File

What are MCP files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a MCP 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 MCP files.

What is a MCP file?

MCP files have multiple uses, and CodeWarrior Project is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

CodeWarrior Project

CodeWarrior Project (.MCP) is a project definition file used by the Metrowerks CodeWarrior IDE (later Freescale/NXP) to describe how source files, build settings, and dependencies combine to produce an application or firmware. It is created when you make or import a project in CodeWarrior, and it lets the IDE reopen the project with the right configuration - which source files belong to it, how they are grouped, what compiler and linker settings to use, and which build targets (for example debug vs release) are available.

These .MCP files are written (and read) by the CodeWarrior IDE; when you create a new project or import an existing project (for example from a Symbian .mmp file), the IDE generates an .MCP file in the project folder along with other supporting files and folders. The file is essential for the IDE to manage project contents, preferences, and build behavior.

By convention, CodeWarrior project files end in .mcp; the IDE automatically appends this extension when you first save a project. The name before ".mcp" usually matches the project folder name. Inside, it contains references to source files (such as .c, .cpp, Java, headers), paths to include directories and libraries, build target definitions (debug/release, different platforms), and internal project-specific preferences.

The format is proprietary: older MCP files are generally binary, not intended for manual editing. In CodeWarrior for Symbian, importing a .mmp file generates both an .mcp file and related .xml and .pref files; the .mcp is the master project file that the IDE uses to store the current state of the project.

How to open MCP files

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

Programs that open CodeWarrior Project files

Last updated: August 9, 2026

All known file formats using extension .MCP

While CodeWarrior Project is a popular type of MCP-file, we know of 5 different uses of the .MCP file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

MathCAD Printer Settings

We know that one MCP format is MathCAD Printer Settings. 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 MCP openers which you will find listed below.

MPLAB IDE Project

Files with the .MCP extension named "MPLAB IDE Project" store the settings for a software development project when using MPLAB IDE version 8 by Microchip Technology. The IDE writes them to record how a group of source, header, library, include, linker script, and object files along with build options are organized and compiled into firmware for PIC or dsPIC microcontrollers. The file does not contain compiled code or binaries, but instructions and paths used to build the project.

When you create a new project in MPLAB IDE 8, the IDE generates an .MCP file. It saves which source files are part of the project, which compilers and linkers tools are used, which microcontroller device is targeted, the options for compiler and linker, include paths, library files, and other project-specific build settings. During development, editing or adding source, changing build options or paths causes MPLAB to update the .MCP file; the IDE then uses it to rebuild or debug the project.

Technically, the file is a plain-text configuration format. It begins with the ASCII tag "[HEADER]" at byte offset zero. Inside the file are internal identifiers such as "SUITE_GUID", "FILE_VERSION", "MAGIC_COOKIE", "OTHER_FILES", "CAT_FILTERS", "FILTER_SRC", "DIR_INC", "DIR_LIB", "DIR_OBJ", etc., which map project items (folders, source files, libraries) into logical groups for building.

MCP opener for Windows

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

MUSICompress Encoded Audio

We know that one MCP format is MUSICompress Encoded Audio. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

WaveZIP Lossless Compressed Audio

We know that one MCP format is WaveZIP Lossless Compressed Audio. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

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