File Extension Database

Open CHD File

CHD, an abbreviation for "Compressed Hunks of Data," is a compressed file format developed for game emulators. It stores MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) game data, optical disc images, and other types of data in a compressed form. CHD files have various uses, including compatibility with MAME, other game emulators, and video and audio editing applications. This article will explore different applications and methods to open and utilize CHD files, along with relevant resources to assist users in achieving desired outcomes.

MAME and Game Emulators

One of the most common uses for CHD files is within MAME, an open-source project dedicated to preserving the history of arcade games by providing an emulator that reproduces their exact gameplay experience. Other emulators, such as Reicast and Supermodel, also benefit from using CHD files for storing arcade game data. Opening and using a CHD file with MAME or another emulator typically requires having the necessary parent ROM and using specific commands or options within the software. Detailed information on using CHD files with MAME is available on the MAME Development documentation website.

Optical Disc Images

Another common use for CHD files is storing optical disc images. These files contain the data represented on optical discs, such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-rays, in a compressed and digital format. Applications such as CDRoller and PowerISO can open and extract data from optical disc images in CHD format, allowing users to access and manipulate the contained data.

Video and Audio Editing

CHD files can also be imported into video and audio editing software, such as DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere. This allows users to work with video and audio data stored in a CHD file directly, without needing an emulator or other software. The import process might involve using specific options within the software, such as importing image sequence data or specifying codec information.

CHD File Conversion

In cases where a CHD file is incompatible with a specific software or application, converting the file to a more widely recognized format may be necessary. Several third-party tools exist to assist in CHD file conversion, such as MagicISO Maker and chdmanFE. These tools can convert CHD files to formats compatible with different applications and platforms, enabling users to utilize the converted files as needed.

CHD File Important Information

It is crucial to understand that opening and using CHD files for their intended purposes, such as game emulation, may involve legal and ethical concerns. Many software emulators, including MAME, exist solely for software preservation and educational purposes. The distribution and use of copyrighted game data contained within CHD files may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of game developers and publishers. It is the responsibility of each user to understand the legal implications of working with CHD files and to ensure they are operating within the bounds of the law.

How Can I Open CHD File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open CHD file is to find a CHD file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CHD file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open CHD file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as CHD file opener then try to search online for "CHD viewer", "application to open CHD file" or "open CHD file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open CHD file

How Can I Open CHD File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a CHD file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CHD file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with CHD file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as CHD file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open CHD file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open CHD file then try to search for "CHD viewer", "application to open CHD file" or "read CHD file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read CHD file

How Can I Open CHD File on Android

If you downloaded a CHD file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded CHD file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "CHD".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "CHD viewer", "CHD file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open CHD File on iPhone or iPad

To open CHD File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the CHD file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "CHD". This way you can find apps which can open CHD files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "CHD viewer" or "CHD file" online in your favorite search engine.

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