OLB File

What are OLB files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an OLB 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 OLB files.

What is an OLB file?

OLB files have multiple uses, and Microsoft Windows Object Library is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Microsoft Windows Object Library

These OLB-files are object libraries. When a programmer compiles the source code of a Visual Basic program, the compiler will output an OLB file before everything is linked into an executable EXE file.

If you have lots of subroutines, you can compile them into an object library. Then you can link your primary source code against the object library to produce an .EXE file. This will save time as you do not need to re-compile everything.

How to open OLB files

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

Programs that open Microsoft Windows Object Library files

Last updated: August 10, 2026

All known file formats using extension .OLB

While Microsoft Windows Object Library is a popular type of OLB-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .OLB file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

OrCAD PSpice Capture Symbols Models

OrCAD PSpice Capture Symbols Models files use the .OLB extension. These are binary libraries of electrical schematic symbols created by OrCAD Capture for use when designing and simulating circuits. Engineers use them when building a schematic - they open .OLB files to browse and select component symbols, place them in their circuit design, and link them to real-world parts and PSpice models.

The program that produces and updates .OLB files is OrCAD Capture (sometimes called Capture CIS). Users build the symbol shapes using its symbol (or part) editor, add pin definitions, properties, and optionally associate each symbol with external PSpice model descriptions in .LIB files. These libraries are stored in project or library directories, organized per component type or vendor, and then referenced during schematic entry and simulation preparation.

Technically, .OLB is a proprietary format containing serialized symbol graphics and metadata. One strong identifier is that .OLB files begin with the byte signature D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 at offset zero. Internally they include strings such as ORCAD WINDOWS LIBRARY, SYMBOLS DIRECTORY, PARTS DIRECTORY, VIEWS DIRECTORY, PACKAGES DIRECTORY, and EXPORTBLOCKS.

OLB opener for Windows

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

PageFocus Object Library

PageFocus Object Library files (extension .OLB) are object libraries used by the PageFocus Pro application. They store reusable design elements - such as form objects, controls, graphics or standard "objects" used in electronic forms - so that a form designer can drag-and-drop or import these into their forms rather than recreating them from scratch.

These libraries are created and managed within PageFocus Pro. A designer uses the object library to assemble a set of visual or functional building blocks and then, when building or editing a form, inserts parts of the .OLB file into that form. This promotes consistency in look-and-feel and behavior across multiple forms, and allows updates in the library to propagate to dependent forms when the objects are "subclassed" rather than copied.

Internally, the format begins with the ASCII signature "PFocus" at the very start of the file, followed by specific header bytes at set offsets - one such signature is "OLB" at byte offsets into the header. These signatures help PageFocus distinguish its .OLB library files from other object library formats.

Programs that open these OLB files

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

Various apps that use files with this extension

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