Opening a COT File

The COT file type is primarily associated with Capture One.

COT	File extension: COT
	File type:	data container

What is a COT file?

COT files mostly belong to Capture One. COT files are used by multiple systems for storing distinct types of information. They do not represent one single format, but rather several specialized data files.
They can include:

Capture One Thumbnail files – These files use a JFIF format to store image previews as sidecar files for the main photo. They are typically used with Capture One software.

Zipped XML configuration files – These are compressed files that contain XML formatted settings. They are used in products like CaptureOnTouch and managed with tools such as COTEditor.

Brazilian bid files – Serving as a part of the Brazilian Procurement File Format, these files are used in formal bidding or procurement processes.

Content Object Transfer files – These XML based files hold data for a common operational picture in data-sharing environments.

Command Over Time files – Employed by some hardware systems, these files store command schedules. They are found in instruments from GW Instek Power Supply and are also used for LED control in Lutron systems.

Each variant of the COT file is created by its source application for its own purpose. To open the file, you must know which application generated it. For image previews, use an image viewer or Capture One; for zipped XML data, use a decompression tool and an XML editor; and for system-specific command files, refer to the corresponding device’s software.
FilExt.com note: For more details on specific implementations, visit the Capture One website or the other related webpages provided by the manufacturers.

How to open COT files

You need a suitable software like Capture One to open a COT 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 COT file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a COT file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online COT Text Viewer

Choose your .cot file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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COT file format details:

Why is it important to know the file format? This is the only way to find out which program to use to open the file. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). If the file extension or signature does not match the file format, errors will occur when opening or editing the file. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Our evaluation of the COT files is as follows:

The COT file extension is not found very often and includes various formats for various programs. However, the following two file formats are common:

• 35% of all COT files are based on the well-known JFIF file format. JFIF is short for JPEG File Interchange Format. It is a bitmap graphic that uses JPEG compression. These files are binary files, so they do not contain text, but only cryptic characters. COT files are between 5 KB and 18 KB in size. It is a modern file type. The following keywords are characteristic: JFIF, UNICODE, $.' ",#, (7),01444, 8BIM, 8Photoshop 3.0, ASCII, '9=82<.342 and bExif.
• 20% of all COT files start with the bytes 10|PROCOMP| crucial for this file format. The contents of these files can even be read by a human. COT files can be up to 37 KB in size, but are often around 590 bytes - 23 KB. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as 10!PROCOMP!PREFEITURA MUNICIPAL and ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA. These files are often associated with licitacao and aclicitacaopr.

The remaining 45% of all COT files are different files with different signatures, frequently e.g. Intergraph Raster bitmap, ZIP, XML and CommandOverTime. Tagged as order, ategory, capture, table or rhps. If you want to find out what your COT file contains, drag and drop it onto this page.