What is the PIM file format?
.pim files store controller plug-in mappings for Avid Pro Tools. Each file defines which plug-in parameters are assigned to specific knobs, faders, and encoders on an Avid hardware control surface - such as the D-Control, C24, D-Command, or Command|8. PIM settings are loaded at runtime, allowing engineers to instantly recall a saved control layout for any plug-in.
.pim files are associated with Avid Pro Tools, a professional application for audio recording, mixing, and editing that supports virtual instruments and a wide range of audio processing plug-ins. Files are created automatically by Pro Tools when a user customizes and saves a plug-in mapping via a connected control surface. They are stored in the Pro Tools Plug-In Mappings folder in a proprietary binary format readable only by Pro Tools itself.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWConfiguration/preset files for a professional DAW; no executable content, no malware vector.
Format details
in a nutshell- Personal Information Manager data (generic) - Some older PIMs (personal organizer apps) used .pim for contact/calendar data - unrelated to Pro Tools.
- PixMaker project file - db_name in context.json listed 'PixMaker project file' by Avid - this appears to be a database error; PixMaker is a consumer panorama software unrelated to Pro Tools .pim.
Programs that open PIM files
Windows1 app
Avid Pro Tools
Paid Mappings are loaded automatically from the Plug-In Mappings folder; access via the plug-in window's settings menu on a connected control surface. 
macOS1 app
Avid Pro Tools
Paid Same as Windows - PIM files are read from ~/Library/Preferences/Avid/Pro Tools/Plug-In Mappings/. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary binary configuration file |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream (no registered type) |
| Encoding | Binary |
| Byte order | Likely big-endian (consistent with Digidesign/Avid Mac-first heritage) |
| Typical file size | Under 100 KB (small controller configuration file) |
| Content | Plug-in parameter assignments to physical knobs, faders, and encoders on an Avid control surface |
| Compatible control surfaces | D-Control, C24, D-Command, Command|8 |
| Default storage path | Pro Tools Plug-In Mappings folder in the Pro Tools application data directory |
| Associated operating systems | Windows and macOS |
| Developer | Avid Technology (formerly Digidesign) |
| Creation method | Generated automatically by Pro Tools when a user customizes and saves a plug-in mapping via a connected control surface |
| Third-party application support | None - format is entirely proprietary to Avid Pro Tools |
| Released | circa 2002-2004 (Digidesign/Avid Pro Tools with D-Control/C24 surface support) |
| Specification | resources.avid.com |
PIM conversions
Community Q&A
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