What is the RPF file format?
An .rpf file is a RAGE Package File, a proprietary binary archive developed by Rockstar Games for their Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE). It serves as the primary container for virtually all game assets - models, textures, scripts, audio, and world data - used in titles such as GTA IV (2008), GTA V (2013), Max Payne 3, and Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018).
The format is versioned through a 4-byte magic header at the file's start:
RPF3- GTA IV, Max Payne 3RPF6- Red Dead Redemption (console)RPF7- GTA VRPF8- Red Dead Redemption 2
Many internal entries are AES-256 encrypted, so standard archive tools cannot open .rpf files. Dedicated utilities such as OpenIV or CodeWalker are required to browse and extract assets. Inner files use Rockstar sub-formats like .ytd (texture dictionaries), .ydr and .yft (3D models), and .ysc (compiled scripts). The RPF7 variant for GTA V has been extensively reverse-engineered by the modding community, making it the basis for most GTA V mods.
Security & safety
RISK: MEDIUMThe RPF archive itself is game data, but the RPF modding ecosystem carries real risks. Install mods only from reputable sites and use trusted tools (OpenIV, CodeWalker) - some "mod menus" and trainers are malware or get accounts banned. Critically, editing RPF files in GTA Online (or other online modes) can trigger anti-cheat bans, and Rockstar's terms forbid modifying online game files; mod offline/Story Mode only. Back up original RPF archives before editing, because a corrupted update.rpf can break the game.
Format details
in a nutshell- Rich Pixel Format (RLA-derived render image) - A 3D-render image format (RGBA plus depth/z, alpha, surface-normal and other arbitrary channels) used in post-production by Autodesk 3ds Max and Adobe After Effects; opened in those apps, not gaming tools.
- Autodesk AutoCAD Render Preset File - A small AutoCAD settings file storing rendering presets; the DB's 'AutoCAD pattern definition' label is incorrect (hatch patterns are .pat).
- Remote Print File (legacy spooler) - Old print-spool/queue files some systems named .rpf; obsolete and rarely encountered.
Programs that open RPF files
Windows3 apps
OpenIV
Free Install OpenIV, select your game (GTA V / GTA IV / RDR2), then browse/open the .rpf to view, extract or edit its contents. Use Edit mode + ASI loader for mods. 
CodeWalker
Open-source Open-source GTA V/RDR2 explorer; its RPF Explorer browses, extracts and edits RPF archives and previews models/maps.
SparkIV
Free Legacy tool for GTA IV-era RPF archives; open the .rpf to extract/replace files. Superseded by OpenIV for newer games. Technical details
deep spec| File category | Proprietary binary game archive |
| Developer | Rockstar Games |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
| Magic bytes | 4-byte ASCII identifier at offset 0: "RPF3", "RPF6", "RPF7", or "RPF8" - version digit identifies the specific game title |
| Format versions | RPF0/RPF2 (early RAGE titles), RPF3 (GTA IV / Max Payne 3), RPF6 (Red Dead Redemption), RPF7 (GTA V), RPF8 (RDR2) |
| Encryption | AES-256 encryption on many internal entries; decryption keys are game-specific and embedded in the game executable |
| Internal compression | zlib/deflate compression applied to individual file entries within the archive |
| Internal structure | Hierarchical virtual file system with nested directories and typed file entries stored in a flat binary layout |
| Contained asset types | .ytd (texture dictionaries), .ydr / .yft (3D models), .ysc (compiled scripts), .awc (audio wave containers), .ymap / .ytyp (world placement data) |
| Compatible game titles | GTA IV, GTA V, Max Payne 3, LA Noire, Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 |
| Required tools | OpenIV, CodeWalker, SparkIV - standard ZIP or archive utilities cannot open AES-encrypted RPF files |
| Modding ecosystem | RPF7 (GTA V) is the most extensively reverse-engineered version; nearly all GTA V mods involve editing or replacing entries inside RPF archives |
| File size range | From a few kilobytes (small sub-archives) to several gigabytes (e.g., update.rpf in GTA V exceeds 4 GB) |
| Platform support | PC (Windows), Xbox, and PlayStation; console variants may use different AES keys or a slightly modified directory structure |
| Released | RAGE engine, mid-2000s; RPF used in GTA IV (2008), GTA V (2013), RDR2 (2018) |
| Specification | gtamods.com |
RPF conversions
Community Q&A
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