SAN File

What are SAN files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a SAN 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 SAN files.

What is a SAN file?

A .SAN file is a LucasArts Smush Video file.

LucasArts Smush Video File files store full-motion video and interleaved audio used for cutscenes and animations in classic LucasArts computer games. These files are created by LucasArts using their Smush engine (later SMUSH v2) for games such as Rebel Assault, Full Throttle, The Dig, Shadows of the Empire, Outlaws, and others. They are used to play pre-rendered cinematic sequences or animated narrative segments inside the game.

Smush Video files are produced by LucasArts during game development and authored into .san format (and later .snm for SMUSH v2) for delivery on game CDs or digital distribution. Players and game engines read them to present cinematic sequences during gameplay. Modern tools like FFmpeg include demuxing and decoding support, allowing extraction or playback outside the game.

Technical identifiers include a "magic number" signature at the start of SAN files: the ASCII string "ANIM" appears at byte offset 0, followed by further header information.

How to open SAN files

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

Programs that open LucasArts Smush Video files

Last updated: August 13, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

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