What is the CPF file format?
.cpf files are iGO 3D Buildings Database Files - proprietary binary content packs used by iGO navigation software (developed by NNG LLC, Hungary) to render three-dimensional city views during navigation. Each .cpf file contains 3D building geometry for a specific geographic region: footprints, heights, and texture data that the iGO engine uses to display recognizable city skylines and landmarks while driving.
To activate 3D city visualization in iGO, .cpf files are placed in the content/building/ folder within the iGO installation directory. Files are region-specific - a .cpf for London covers different data than one for Paris. The format has been used across iGO 8, iGO Primo, and current iGO Navigation releases on Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Android, and older iOS devices.
The .cpf format is entirely proprietary and undocumented by NNG. It is likely little-endian binary with possible zlib-based compression. No public tools exist to inspect or edit .cpf content directly. Commercial packs are distributed by NNG and third-party GPS content providers.
Note that .cpf is also used by unrelated software - IBM Cognos Framework Manager uses .cpf for its project files - so always verify the originating application before attempting to open one.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWBinary data file; not executable. CPF files downloaded from unofficial GPS sites are safe in format terms, but verify source legitimacy. Cognos CPF files may contain database connection strings including credentials.
Format details
in a nutshell- IBM Cognos Framework Manager Project File - CPF is the project file format for IBM Cognos Framework Manager, containing BI metamodel and database connection metadata. Developer: IBM.
- Microsoft Cab Provisioning Format - Used by Microsoft Visual Studio for Windows Mobile device provisioning/configuration packages.
- Canon Picture Style File - Canon cameras use .cpf for custom picture style profiles defining color rendering parameters.
Programs that open CPF files
Windows2 apps
iGO Navigation (desktop/emulator)
Paid Copy CPF file to the iGO content/building/ folder on your device or SD card; iGO loads it automatically on next start.
Cognos Business Intelligence / Framework Manager
Paid File → Open Project → select .cpf file. Only applicable if this is a Cognos project file, not an iGO file. 
Android1 app
iGO Navigation
Paid Copy CPF file to the /iGO/content/building/ folder on device storage; app loads it automatically. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | NNG LLC (formerly Nav N Go), Budapest, Hungary |
| Encoding | Binary, proprietary and undocumented |
| Byte order | Little-endian (typical for Windows-derived GPS platforms) |
| Compression | Likely zlib-based (consistent with other NNG data formats); unconfirmed |
| Purpose | Stores 3D building geometry (footprints, heights, textures) for a specific geographic region for iGO navigation display |
| Installation path | content/building/ folder within the iGO installation directory |
| Content scope | Region-specific - each file covers a distinct city or geographic area |
| Typical file size | 1 MB - 200 MB depending on geographic coverage |
| Compatible platforms | Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Android, iOS (older iGO versions) |
| Software versions | iGO 8, iGO Primo, iGO Navigation (current) |
| Related formats | .fbl, .fda, .lku, .ngi, .idc (other iGO navigation content formats) |
| Magic bytes | None publicly documented; format specification not released by NNG |
| Released | ~2007 (iGO 8 era) |
| Latest version | Used in iGO Primo, iGO Navigation (current) |
CPF conversions
Community Q&A
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