Basic information about CIL file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension CIL（*.CIL or *.cil）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the CIL file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the CIL file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the CIL file with their brief description and a list of programs that support CIL file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the CIL file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the CIL file?
  • How to open a CIL file?
  • What programs do I need to open a CIL file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a CIL file?
  • How to convert CIL files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to CIL file format?


1.Detail information about CIL file extension: Clip Gallery Packaged File

File type Clip Gallery Packaged File Category Vector Image Files
Developer Microsoft File format Binary
Description CIL file is a Clip Gallery Packaged File developed by Microsoft. Compressed clip art format used by Microsoft Clip Gallery, a program used to manage clip art images for Microsoft Office applications; stores .WMF files and other images in a compressed package; also includes keywords and other metadata.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert CIL files

Windows		 Microsoft Clip Gallery
Microsoft Office

macOS		 Microsoft Clip Gallery



Can't open a CIL file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.CIL”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the CIL extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support CIL file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of CIL files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a CIL file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a CIL file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a CIL file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the CIL file is damaged.
  • Whether the CIL file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the CIL file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the CIL file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the CIL file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a CIL file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a CIL file.

If the CIL file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.