Opening a CIV File

The CIV file type is primarily associated with Empire Earth.

CIV	File extension: CIV
	File type:	Custom Civilization Information

What is a CIV file?

CIV files mostly belong to Empire Earth by Sierra Entertainment, Inc. The original authors of the file were Stainless Steel Studios (now defunct), and then Mad Doc Software also made some for EE: AoC Xpack. Mad Doc then became part of Rockstar Games.

How to open a CIV file

You need a suitable software like Empire Earth to open a CIV file. You need a suitable software like Empire Earth from Sierra Entertainment, Inc. to open a CIV file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your CIV file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a CIV file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online CIV Text Viewer

Choose your .civ file to analyze

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Online File Viewer

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Trouble Opening a .CIV File? These Steps Will Help

A .CIV file can originate from various programs and isn't universally openable.

Identify the Source: Gamers often encounter these as Custom Civilization Information files for Empire Earth or as save files for the Civilization game series.
Check the Header: Inspect the first bytes in a text or hex editor:
- Readable XML/text suggests a mod or config file.
- "PK" indicates a standard ZIP archive.
- Binary data usually means a proprietary game save.
Use the Original Software: You typically need the original game, like Empire Earth (by Sierra Entertainment, Inc.) or Civilization, to load it; if unsure, ask the sender.
Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your file onto this page to detect its format, extract metadata, and preview contents.

Technical Data for CIV File Extension

File classification:

Game

Related files:

cin, pdf, csv, zip, txt, ted, stats, wxd

a civ Custom Civilization Information is a special file format by Sierra Entertainment, Inc. and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with CIV files

Associate the CIV file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open custom civilization informations. Because only the current version supports the latest CIV file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Sierra Entertainment, Inc. manufacturer website after an available Empire Earth update.
To make sure that your CIV file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .CIV file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.