.DSF File Extension

DSF files use JSON formatting so that the files are human readable and easily exchangeable. DSF files may also incorporate .ZIP compression and therefore not be in a plain text JSON format (the compression option is specified by the user in the DAZ Studio save dialog). Compressed DSF files have a significantly reduced file size, since JSON text compresses at high ratios.

NOTE: Compressed DSF files can be decompressed with any Zip-compatible utility.

You will only encounter Distribution Scenery Format DSF files if you use the X-Plane simulator and navigate to the resource files packaged with the application. The files are not meant to be manually opened by a user. Instead, they are reference by X-Plane to texture scenery featured in gameplay.

However, some gamers enjoy modifying the scenery that appears in the game. These "modders" often use the WorldEditor (WED) to modify 2D scenery and airports in X-Plane. WED is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux for free.

NOTE: DSF files are used by X-Plane 7 and later. However, only X-Plane 10 and later support compressed DSF files.

NOTE: Designer files use the .DES extension in newer versions of Corel Designer, which is now offered as an application in Corel DESIGNER Graphics Suite.

Sony and Phillips created the DSD format for use with Super Audio CDs (SACDs), which were intended to replace typical audio CDs. In most cases, DSD audio is saved as .DFF files, which contain the entirety of a CD's contents. However, in 2005, Sony developed the DSD Stream File (DSF) format, which is designed to store individual audio tracks.

Just like DFF files, the audio that DSF files contain can consist of up to six audio channels. It also has a higher bitrate than normal CD audio. Thus, DSF audio is higher quality than typical CD audio.

You can open a DSF file and play the audio it contains with VideoLAN VLC media player, Signalyst HQPlayer, or Foobar2000. When using Foobar2000, you'll likely have to install an SACD plug-in, such as Super Audio CD Decoder, to play your DSF file.

You can use VideoLAN VLC media player to convert the audio a DSF file contains to the following formats:

• .MP3 - MP3 Audio
• .OGG - Ogg Vorbis Audio
• .FLAC - Free Lossless Audio Codec
• .WAV - WAVE Audio

The Dreamcast Sound Format (DSF) is a variant of the Portable Sound Format (.PSF). Games for various game consoles store music in their own version of the PSF format. For example, some Sega Saturn games use PSF music saved as .SSF files.

Dreamcast enthusiasts have created several scripts that allow them to rip DSF files from Dreamcast game ROMs (which contain a copy of the data stored on a Dreamcast game disc). Many of these scripts are available at kingshriek's SSF/DSF page.

You can use any of the following programs to open a DSF file and play the music it contains:

• Audio Overload (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Vitamin/CAIG ZXTune (Android)
• Modizer (iOS)
• Winamp with the Chipamp plug-in installed (Windows)
• Foobar2000 with the SSF/DSF Decoder plug-in installed (Windows)

You can use Audio Overload to convert DSF files to the .WAV (WAVE Audio) format. To do so, open your DSF file and select the Save clip... button.