What is the CSB file format?
A .csb file is a compiled binary macro script created by Corel PHOTO-PAINT, the image-editing component of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. The CSB format stores recorded or authored automation sequences - scripts that reproduce PHOTO-PAINT operations such as resizing images, applying effects, and adjusting colors.
Unlike text-based script formats, a .csb file is entirely binary and proprietary. The internal structure consists of a binary header followed by serialized bytecode and action records representing PHOTO-PAINT commands. There is no publicly documented format specification, and the files are not human-readable.
Key characteristics of the .csb format:
- Windows-only; no macOS or Linux support
- Not backward-compatible across major CorelDRAW Graphics Suite versions - a script created in one version may not open in a significantly newer release
- Bytecode is stored in obfuscated binary form, but is not encrypted
- Cannot be exported or converted to other script formats
Modern versions of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite have moved to VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macros stored in .gms files, making .csb a legacy format. If you receive a .csb file from an older PHOTO-PAINT installation that will not open in your current version, you may need the original version of the application that created it.
Security & safety
RISK: MEDIUMA CSB script executes PHOTO-PAINT operations automatically, including file I/O (open, save, export) and batch processing. A malicious CSB script from an untrusted source could overwrite, delete or modify files on your system in bulk. Only run CSB files from trusted sources. The format does not execute system-level commands or spawn processes outside PHOTO-PAINT's sandboxed scripting engine, but bulk file manipulation is still a risk.
Format details
in a nutshell- Creative Sound Blaster Audio Project - Some Creative Labs audio software uses .csb for audio bank/project files unrelated to Corel.
- Crystal Space Binary Shader - Crystal Space 3D game engine stores compiled shaders as .csb - entirely unrelated to Corel.
Programs that open CSB files
Windows2 apps
CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Paid PHOTO-PAINT is included in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite; run CSB scripts from within PHOTO-PAINT. 
Corel PHOTO-PAINT
Paid In PHOTO-PAINT, go to Scripts > Run Script (or Script Manager) and load the .csb file to execute it. Technical details
deep spec| Encoding | Binary, proprietary |
| Byte order | Little-endian (Windows-origin format) |
| Magic bytes | 14 00 00 00 10 00 1C 00 04 (community-observed; not officially documented by Corel) |
| Internal structure | Binary header followed by serialized bytecode and action records representing PHOTO-PAINT operations |
| Compression | None apparent |
| Obfuscation | Binary format provides obfuscation but no encryption of script logic |
| Typical file size | 1 KB - 500 KB (simple one-step scripts to complex multi-action macros) |
| Version compatibility | Not backward-compatible across major PHOTO-PAINT versions |
| Associated OS | Windows only |
| Modern replacement | VBA macros stored in .gms files within CorelDRAW Graphics Suite |
| Automation scope | Resize, effects, color adjustments, and other PHOTO-PAINT image operations |
| Exportability | Cannot be exported or converted to other script formats |
| Released | late 1990s (Corel PHOTO-PAINT circa v8-9) |
| Latest version | N/A (version tied to CorelDRAW Graphics Suite version used to create it) |
CSB conversions
Community Q&A
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