What is the DPP file format?
.dpp is a graphics file format native to DrawPlus, Serif's vector graphics and animations software for Windows. Files with the .dpp extension contain data generated by DrawPlus and can store:
- graphics and images,
- 3D models,
- CMYK colour definitions,
- filters and special effects.
Newer versions of DrawPlus allowed users to save graphics in multi-page .dpp files. DrawPlus offered various tools and settings commonly used by professional graphic artists.
DrawPlus was discontinued in 2015 when Serif released Affinity Designer as its modern vector graphics replacement. DrawPlus X8 was the final version. The .dpp format is therefore effectively orphaned - DrawPlus is no longer sold or updated, and there is no direct migration path from .dpp to Affinity Designer's native .afdesign format.
.dpp is a proprietary binary format, meaning files can only be fully edited with DrawPlus itself. However, DrawPlus X8 can still export content to other formats for preservation: graphics can be saved as PDF or SVG, and animations exported to AVI. The SWF (Flash) export option offered by older DrawPlus versions is no longer a viable target, as Adobe Flash was discontinued in 2020.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWStatic vector drawing file; no macro execution or scripting capability. Low risk.
Format details
in a nutshell- Capture One Pro Settings File - .dpp is also used by Phase One Capture One (older versions) for processing settings/recipes applied to RAW photos.
Programs that open DPP files
Windows1 app
Serif DrawPlus X8
Free Download DrawPlus X8 free from Serif, install, then File > Open the .dpp file. Export via File > Export or Publish as PDF/SVG.
convert.guru DPP Converter
Free Upload the DPP file; converts to SVG, PDF, or PNG online without DrawPlus installed. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | Serif Europe Ltd. |
| Encoding | Binary (little-endian) |
| Container | Proprietary Serif binary container |
| Compression | Likely internal (no public specification) |
| Colour modes | RGB, CMYK, and spot colours; 1-32 bpp |
| Typical file size | 50 KB - 20 MB (vector art with embedded rasters at the high end) |
| Multi-page support | Yes - introduced in later DrawPlus versions |
| Vector rendering | Resolution-independent vector paths |
| Platform | Windows only |
| Final version | DrawPlus X8 (2015) |
| Successor format | .afdesign (Affinity Designer by Serif / Affinity) |
| Status | Orphaned - DrawPlus discontinued 2015; no active development or support |
| Released | circa 1995 (DrawPlus 1.0) |
| Latest version | DrawPlus X8 (2015) - final version |
DPP conversions
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about DPP files.
