.ZST File Extension
Zstandard Compressed File
| Developer | Yann Collet, Nick Terrell, and Przemysław Skibińsk |
| Popularity |
4.2 | 13 Votes |
What is a ZST file?
A ZST file is a file compressed using the Zstandard (zstd) compression algorithm, which is a lossless compression method that users can apply at different levels. It contains a single file or data stream and does not combine multiple files unless used with an archive format such as .TAR. Developers, system administrators, and data engineers commonly use ZST files to compress software packages, backups, logs, databases, and large datasets.
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Yann Collet at Facebook (now Meta) developed the Zstandard format, which is widely used on Linux and other Unix-like systems. Many modern Linux distributions use Zstandard for package management and system components because it provides fast decompression, improving installation and update performance.
NOTE: When compressing a file with Zstandard, the .zst extension is added to the original filename. For example, sample.doc becomes sample.doc.zst.
How to open a ZST file
You can open ZST files with various applications that support Zstandard. On Linux, you can use the zstd -d filename.zst or unzstd filename.zst command. On Windows and macOS, file archiving programs such as Bandizip and PeaZip can extract the file. After decompression, the .zst extension is removed, and the original file is restored.
Programs that open ZST files
ZSNES Save File
| Developer | ZSNES |
| Popularity |
3.2 | 19 Votes |
A ZST file may also be a save state created by ZSNES, a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) emulator for Windows and Linux. It stores a snapshot of the game at a specific moment in time, recording the entire memory state of the emulator, allowing the player to resume gameplay exactly where they left off.
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ZSNES saves ZST files in a binary format that captures the console's emulated hardware state, including memory, processor data, and other runtime information, which makes save states different from standard in-game save files (they are often stored within the game cartridge's save memory). Players, speedrunners, and retro gaming enthusiasts use ZST files to practice difficult sections, preserve progress at any point, or experiment without losing their place.
ZSNES supports multiple save slots, typically numbered from 0 to 99. While ZST is commonly associated with save states, ZSNES also uses extensions such as .ZS0, .ZS1, and .ZS2 to represent different save slots. You can create a save state in ZSNES by selecting the Save State option from the Game menu.
How to open a ZST file
You can open ZST files with ZSNES. In addition to ZSNES, other SNES emulators, such as Snes9x, can load ZSNES save states in certain versions, although compatibility may vary. To open a ZST file, place it in the appropriate save directory and use the emulator's Load State feature to resume gameplay.