What is the ENC file format?
.enc is a generic extension with no single owner - dozens of unrelated programs write files using this suffix, so the format and content depend entirely on which application created the file.
Encore music notation One well-known use assigns .enc files to the Encore program, designed for the purpose of composing music. The content of such a file is the result of the Encore program's actions - that is, the music score of the created song, its whole composition.
Within .enc files created by Encore, the following data can also be stored:
- notes
- lyrics
- time markers
- pitch markers
- information on the title of the track
- information on the composer
Scores contained in .enc files can be extracted and printed using the Encore program.
Other uses of .enc files
The .enc extension also refers to "encoded" or "encrypted" files - that is, files secured against unauthorised access or converted for safe transport. .enc files can be encoded or encrypted in several ways:
- Using the standard binary-to-text encoding format - UUencoding - which converts binary data into printable ASCII for safe transfer. To read such a file, use any UUdecoder; no secret key is required.
- Using
openssl enc, which encrypts a source file with algorithms such as AES and writes the result as a.encfile. Decryption requires the correct passphrase and algorithm. - Using a custom encoding format - each program may use its own algorithm and store encoded files with the
.encextension. In that case, in order to display the content, one should use the software that created it.
Because there is no universal file signature for .enc, related formats that serve similar purposes include .GPG, .AXX, and .CRYPT files.
Security & safety
RISK: MEDIUMA .enc file is usually encrypted data and is not itself executable, so opening (or failing to open) it is low risk. The real cautions: (1) NEVER paste a .enc or its password into a random 'online .enc decryptor' - without your key they can't decrypt it anyway, and you'd be handing over sensitive data; decrypt locally with the original app or OpenSSL. (2) An unexpected .enc attachment could be a lure to get you to download a sketchy 'decryption tool' (which may be malware) - only use the legitimate originating software.
Format details
in a nutshell- Encore music notation document (.enc) - A scorewriter document from Encore (Passport Designs; rights now with Sonic Scores), opened in Encore or read by Myriad Harmony Assistant.
- NOAA/IHO S-57 Electronic Navigational Chart (.enc) - A vector marine chart used in ECDIS/chart-plotter navigation software, unrelated to encryption.
Programs that open ENC files
Windows3 apps
The original creating application
Free Identify and use the program (or its key/password) that MADE the .enc - that's the only reliable way to decrypt/decode it. There is no universal .enc opener.
OpenSSL (for openssl-encrypted .enc)
Open-source If the .enc was made with 'openssl enc', decrypt with the matching command and password/key, e.g. 'openssl enc -d -aes-256-cbc -in file.enc -out file'.
CopySafe PDF Reader
Free For a CopySafe-protected .enc PDF: open it in the CopySafe PDF Reader (the only viewer that decrypts it). 
macOS1 app
OpenSSL / the original app
Open-source Decrypt an openssl-made .enc with 'openssl enc -d ...'; otherwise use the originating application and its key/password. 
Linux1 app
OpenSSL / the original app
Open-source Decrypt an openssl-made .enc with 'openssl enc -d ...' and the correct cipher/key; otherwise use the originating application. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Generic encrypted or encoded container; file layout is entirely application-defined with no common structure |
| MIME type | `application/octet-stream` |
| File signature | None - no universal magic bytes; byte content is whatever the creating application wrote |
| Encoding variants | UUencoding (ASCII-safe text), OpenSSL AES/3DES ciphers, CopySafe DRM, Encore binary notation, or any proprietary scheme |
| OpenSSL command | `openssl enc -e -aes-256-cbc -in source -out output.enc` |
| Decryption requirement | Correct passphrase or key plus knowledge of the originating algorithm; UUencoded variant requires no key |
| UUencoding characteristic | Produces plain ASCII text starting with a `begin` header line; no encryption or secret key involved |
| Encore music format | Binary proprietary format storing a full sheet-music score including notes, lyrics, time markers, pitch markers, and composer metadata |
| Identification method | Extension alone is insufficient; the originating application must be known to reliably open the file |
| Interoperability | Very low - a `.enc` file created by one program is typically unreadable by any other application |
| CopySafe usage | Used by CopySafe PDF Reader to distribute DRM-protected PDF content in encrypted form |
| Key/password handling | Not required for UUencoded variant; mandatory for OpenSSL-encrypted and most app-specific encrypted variants |
| Content encoding | May be raw binary ciphertext, Base64-armored text, or UUencoded ASCII depending on the source application |
| Related encrypted formats | `.gpg`, `.aes`, `.axx`, `.crypt`, `.dec` |
| Platform support | Cross-platform in principle; actual support depends on availability of the creating application on each OS |
| Released | Generic usage, long-standing |
ENC conversions
Community Q&A
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