All about SCN Files

The SCN file type is primarily associated with Image Lab.

SCN	File extension: SCN
	File type:	image

What is an SCN file?

SCN files mostly belong to Image Lab by Bio Rad. Pinnacle Studio video editing software uses SCN files to store information describing multiple scenes of a single video file. This file is usually saved alongside an AVI video file with the same base filename as the SCN file. Binary scene files in Godot Engine (a game engine) also use SCN filename extension. Such SCN files contain binary information about a single scene tree as well as paths to resources and nodes used in the scene. OpenTTD, a simulation video game uses SCN files to store game scenarios. The contents of such SCN files include train tracks, buildings, landscape etc. Age of Mythology, a real-time strategy game also uses SCN files to store game scenarios such as victory conditions, campaign maps, player starting locations etc. Games such as SimCity and Orbiter also save scenarios in SCN files. Civil 3D, a CAD design tool stores surface slope definitions in SCN files.

How to open an SCN file

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

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Programs that open and convert SCN files:

Image Lab by Bio Rad
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SCN files are often referred to as Image Lab raster images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
BPM Studio (scan data) by ALCATECH
BPM Studio is a DJ software for organizing, mixing, and playing audio files in personal or public spaces. This program is often used to play music in dance schools, restaurants, bars, and radio stations. This file format is classified as Audio.
Crazy Talk (model) by Reallusion
CrazyTalk is a 2D facial animation software that uses text and static images to create and animate 2D human face models. It uses real-time puppeteering to create animation movies. Models created with CrazyTalk are stored in SCN files. This file format is classified as 3D Image.
Flying-Model-Simulator (scenery) by Roman & Michael Möller
Flying Model Simulator, is a remote-flight simulation software with advanced tools for collision detection, thermal adjustments, and multiple landscapes. Scenery data used by the program are stored in SCN files. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: Wikipedia Flying-Model-Simulator Page
Kermit (screen dump) by Columbia University
Kermit is a family of file transfer, file management protocols, and communication programs for classic computers. Screen dumps created by Kermit are stored in SCN files. This file format is classified as Data.
Orbiter (scenario) by Martin Schweiger
Orbiter is a free flight simulation software used to virtually launch space shuttles, deploy a satellites, rendezvous with the International Space Station or build your own custom station in orbit. The SCN file created by Orbiter is a scenario file containing data about the spacecraft, environment, routes, and angles. This file format is classified as Data.
pcAnywhere (screenshot) by NortonLifeLock
pcAnywhere is a family of host and client programs that allow users to remotely logon and access a computer. Screenshots taken by pcAnywhere were stored in SCN files. This file format is classified as Raster Image.
Pinnacle Studio (scene) by Pinnacle
Pinnacle Studio is a video editing software for Windows and iOS devices. When editing a video, Pinnacle Studio generates an SCN file used to store information about multiple scenes of a video file. The SCN file has the same base filename as its corresponding AVI video file. This file format is classified as Video.
Polygon Editing Tool (scene) by Konica Minolta
Polygon Editing Tool is a 2D/3D graphics editing tool used to edit/enhance or create graphics entities captured with Konica Minolta imaging devices. 3D scenes created with the Polygon Editing Tool may be saved in SCN files. This file format is classified as 3D Image.
Rise of Nations (scenario) by Microsoft
Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy video game available for Windows and Xbox platforms. The game stores scenario data in SCN files. This file format is classified as Game.
SceneKit (archive) by Apple
SceneKit is a high-level 3D framework used to create 3D games and animation for Mac and iOS platforms. It provides a layer of easy-to-use APIs over OpenGL and Metal to allow designers/developers to easily manipulate graphics components. 3D scenes created with SceneKit are stored in SCN files. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: SCNSceneSource
SimCity (scenario) by Electronic
SimCity is a series of city-building video games in which players plan, design, and build cities in single-player or multiplayer modes. Scenarios used in the game are stored in SCN files which may include city roads, buildings, terrains, and other structural information. This file format is classified as Game.
Softimage XSI (3D scene) by Autodesk
SoftImage was a 3D animation software used in TV/film production as well as video game development. The program allowed designers to create 3D characters, scenes, and high-end animated effects. 3D scenes created with SoftImage were stored in SCN files. SoftImage has been discontinued by the developer. This file format is classified as 3D Image.
Steam (scenario) by Valve
Steam is a video game distribution and management software with support for classic and contemporary video games. Some video games available on Steam (e.g. Age of Mythology and Counter-Strike) save game scenarios in SCN files. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Source SDK Files and Directory Structure
trueSpace (scene) by Caligari
trueSpace is a discontinued program previously used to create and render 3D models and animation. 3D scenes created with trueSpace were stored in SCN (scene) files. This file format is classified as 3D Image.
Visual Basic (scene) by Microsoft
Visual Basic is an integrated development environment for building type-safe and object-oriented applications. It is based on BASIC programming language which may be used for macro scripting and the creation of 2D/3D scenes. Scenes created with Visual Basic are stored in SCN files. This file format is classified as Developer.

SCN format details:

To view or edit SCN files you need to know the file format, because it determines how the data in this file is stored. The file format can be determined based on the file extension and the signature (the first few characters of a file). However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. So you need a detailed analysis of a file to find out the format and the associated program. Below you will find our evaluation of the SCN files:

The SCN extension is very commonly found and is used by different programs with different formats. But the following two file formats are common:

65% of all SCN files are Bio-Rad Gel Image files, which are using the popular MIME file format. MIME is short for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. It is an Internet standard that extends the format of email messages to support Unicode and attachments. The contents of these files cannot be read by a human; only a computer program can interpret the data. A typical file size is 2 MB. This file type is based on cutting-edge technology. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as Content-Description: Image Lab Image File, Content-Type: multipart/mixed;, MIME-Version, X-EntityRank: middle, boundary, X-LastSaveDate: 2 and Generated by Image Lab 5. Such files are related to exposure, user, chemi, group, image, digest, ladder and actin, and have often person-related content.
4% of all SCN files are associated with Pinnacle Studio Scene. These files are binary files, so they do not contain text, but only cryptic characters. Most of these files are 190 bytes to 2 KB in size. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as ClipP, Scene and SourceTape. Such SCN files store data about movie, video and baby.

All the rest of the SCN files (31%) have different formats, frequently e.g. Softimage Scene, Caligari TrueSpace Scene, plist, JPG, PSB, txdio, FwSI, Technology, OTT, VER, config and Axicon. These files sometimes refer to scan, super, colony, gapdh, admin or check. Just click the "Choose your .scn file to analyze" button on this page to find out what your SCN file is.

Technical Data for SCN File Extension

File classification:

Raster Image

Related files:

snc, mbs, scni000f, mscn, zip, mht, scenario, jpg, scan, scnz, pdf, csn, 1sc, mhtml, tiff, 7z, index, lifext, scene, gz

Mime type:

text/xml, application/octet-stream, image/x-lws

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: PcaScreenFile, FileType: pcAnywhere Screen File, AppName: pcAnywhere Main Program

ProgramID: scnfile
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\system32\XSIChooser.exe %1

ProgramID: scnfile
EXEFile: F:\Softimage\XSI_2.0.1\Application\bin\XSI.exe %1

ProgramID: SimCity2000.Document.Scenario
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Maxis\SimCity 2000\SimCity.exe %1

ProgramID: VideoWave.Scene
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MGI\VideoWave\VIDEOWAV.EXE %1

ProgramID: VideoWave.Screen
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MGI\MGI VideoWave\VIDEOWAV.EXE %1

ProgramID: VideoWave4.Scene
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MGI\VideoWave\VideoWave.exe %1

ProgramID: CTP_SCN
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Reallusion\CrazyTalk\Editor\Fitting.exe %1

ProgramID: quick3D.scn
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\quick3D Geo\quick3D.exe %1

ProgramID: ScenarioFileType
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SC2DEMOW\SC2DEMOW.WAD

ProgramID: Caligari Scene
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\gameSpaceLight\gsl.exe

ProgramID: ScenarioFileType
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles\SC2DEMOW\SC2DEMOW.WAD

ProgramID: ScenarioEditor.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MASSIV~1\SCENAR~1.EXE

ProgramID: scnfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MSDEV\BIN\MTSCREEN.EXE

Show all 14 listings To Top

an scn image is a special file format by Bio Rad and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with SCN files

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