What is the PCG file format?
A .pcg file is a proprietary instrument bank file used by Korg synthesizers and music workstations. The name stands for Programs, Combinations, and Global - the three categories of data stored in the file. Programs are individual synthesizer patches (timbre and oscillator settings), Combinations (also called Combis) layer multiple Programs for richer textures, and Global settings cover system-wide parameters such as master tuning and MIDI configuration.
The file uses a RIFF-like chunked binary structure beginning with a KORG magic header, followed by named sub-chunks: DIV1 (directory), PRG1 (Programs), CMB1 (Combinations), GLB1 (Global), and optionally PBK1 (Performance Bank). A .pcg file does not contain audio samples; sampled waveforms are stored separately in .KSF or .KMP files.
A critical limitation is strict model incompatibility: a .pcg file created on a Triton cannot be loaded on a Kronos without conversion, and files from different Korg workstation families (Trinity, M3, M50, Kronos, Nautilus, PA-series) use incompatible internal layouts. Third-party tools such as PCG Tools handle librarian tasks, editing, and limited conversion on a PC.
The format originated around 1995 with the Korg Trinity workstation and continues in use through the Nautilus (2021).
Security & safety
RISK: LOWPure data file; contains only synthesis parameters. No executable code, no macros. Safe to open with a patch librarian.
Format details
in a nutshell- Photo CD Graphic (Kodak PCD thumbnail) - Some sources mislabel .pcg as a Kodak Photo CD thumbnail cache; that format is actually .pcd not .pcg.
Programs that open PCG files
Windows2 apps
PCG Tools
Free File → Open PCG; browse programs/combis in the librarian view. Supports Triton, Kronos, Nautilus, PA-series.
Korg Kontrol Editor / Sound Librarian (model-specific)
Free Download model-specific Sound Librarian from Korg support page; open .pcg to import into the synth. 
macOS2 apps
PCG Tools (via Wine / Windows VM)
Free Run under Wine or a Windows virtual machine; no native macOS build exists.
Korg Sound Librarian (model-specific)
Free Download macOS version from Korg support; load PCG into connected hardware. Technical details
deep spec| Magic bytes | KORG (4 ASCII bytes at offset 0) |
| Container | RIFF-like chunked binary (KORG header + named sub-chunks) |
| Sub-chunks | DIV1 (directory), PRG1 (Programs), CMB1 (Combinations), GLB1 (Global), PBK1 (Performance Bank, optional) |
| Encoding | Binary |
| Byte order | Little-endian |
| Typical file size | 50 KB - 2 MB depending on model and number of banks |
| Model compatibility | Strictly model-specific; no cross-model compatibility between Triton, Kronos, Nautilus, etc. |
| Audio samples | Not stored in PCG; sampled waveforms use separate .KSF or .KMP files |
| Associated OS | Windows, macOS |
| Developer | Korg Inc. |
| First workstation | Korg Trinity (circa 1995) |
| Released | mid-1990s (Korg Triton era) |
| Latest version | Nautilus / Kronos PCG variant (2021) |
PCG conversions
Community Q&A
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