What is the RFC file format?
.rfc is a proprietary encrypted contact file used by RoboForm, the password manager and form-filler developed by Siber Systems. Each .rfc file stores a single identity record containing personal information such as name, address, phone number, email address, credit card data, and any custom fields defined by the user.
The file is encrypted with AES-256 using a key derived from the user's RoboForm master password, which means the data is unreadable without RoboForm and the correct credentials. No magic bytes or header signatures have been publicly documented.
.rfc files are closely related to other RoboForm data formats:
.rfp- stores saved login/password entries (Passcards).rft- RoboForm template files.rf- legacy RoboForm data
The format originated in the early RoboForm 2.x era and has evolved through versions 6, 7, 8, and 9. Older .rfc files may not import directly into the newest versions without a conversion step.
In modern RoboForm Everywhere (subscription), identity data is stored encrypted in the cloud rather than as local .rfc files. Local .rfc files are therefore a legacy artifact of pre-cloud RoboForm deployments; they are still readable by RoboForm desktop clients on Windows and macOS, and by the mobile apps on iOS and Android.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWRFC files are AES-256 encrypted and useless without the master password. Low standalone risk. Treat backup copies with care - if the master password is weak, brute-force is theoretically possible.
Format details
in a nutshellFULL NAMERoboForm Contact Fileaka RoboForm contact, RFC contact record
DEVELOPERSiber Systems, Inc.since early 2000s (RoboForm 2.x era)
CATEGORYMisc Files
MIME TYPEapplication/octet-stream
TYPEproprietary encrypted contact/identity data file
This extension is also used by…
- IETF RFC document (text) - Some tools download IETF Request For Comments documents and save them as .rfc plain-text files - no relation to RoboForm.
- RealFlight RC simulator config - RealFlight G-series RC flight simulators use .rfc for aircraft/scenery configuration files.
Programs that open RFC files
Windows3 apps
RoboForm for Chrome
Freemium Install RoboForm, import or copy .rfc files to the RoboForm data folder, enter master password to decrypt. 
RoboForm for Firefox
Freemium Same as Chrome edition - all RoboForm browser extensions use the same local data store. 
RoboForm for Edge
Freemium Current recommended browser extension replacing legacy Internet Explorer and Opera plugins. 
macOS1 app
RoboForm for Safari on Mac
Freemium Install RoboForm, import .rfc contact files; enter master password. 
Android1 app
iOS1 app
RoboForm for iPhone/iPad
Freemium Sync via RoboForm Everywhere account; legacy .rfc files must first be imported on desktop. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | Siber Systems, Inc. |
| Encryption | AES-256; key derived from user's master password |
| Encoding | Binary (encrypted) |
| Container | Proprietary RoboForm container |
| Stored data | Name, address, phone, email, credit card, and custom fields - one identity record per file |
| Typical file size | 1 KB - 50 KB |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Related formats | .rfp (Passcards), .rft (templates), .rf (legacy) |
| Format versions | Evolved through RoboForm 6, 7, 8, 9; older files may need conversion for newer versions |
| Integrity | Implicit in AES-256 authenticated encryption; no separate checksum |
| Magic bytes | None publicly documented; proprietary encrypted header |
| Deployment model | Local file (legacy); cloud sync preferred in RoboForm Everywhere subscription |
| Released | early 2000s (RoboForm 2.x era) |
| Latest version | RoboForm 9.x (2024-2025) |
RFC conversions
Community Q&A
asked by users
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Frequently asked questions
How do I open an RFC file without RoboForm?
You cannot - RFC files are encrypted with AES-256 and tied to your RoboForm master password. Install RoboForm and use your master password to access the data.
I found old .rfc files in a backup - how do I recover the data?
Install the same version of RoboForm that created them (or a compatible newer version), place the .rfc files in the RoboForm data folder, and enter your master password.
Can I export a RoboForm RFC file to a CSV?
Yes - via RoboForm's built-in export (roboform.com account → Identities → Export, or in the desktop app under Tools → Options → User Data). You cannot export a single .rfc file directly.
Is RoboForm still being developed?
Yes. Siber Systems actively maintains RoboForm Everywhere (subscription) for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and all major browsers as of 2025.
Why does my .rfc file look like garbled binary?
Because it is encrypted with AES-256. The content is not human-readable without RoboForm and your master password.
References
1Siber Systems - RoboForm officialwww.roboform.com
2Siber Systems - company contactswww.siber.com
