VST files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: VST Audio Plug-in
Steinberg developed Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plug-in interface. Cubase users create and install custom audio effects via VST. For example, users install VST plug-ins emulating instruments or pr...
General Information
| Title | VST File Extension |
| Extension | .vst |
| Full Form | Virtual Studio Technology Plug-in |
| File Type | Audio Plug-in File |
| Developer | Steinberg |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Audio processing |
| Additional Functions | Sound generation, Effects |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | By developers |
Use Cases
| Music Production | Yes |
| Audio Editing | Yes |
| Sound Design | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Vulnerable code |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Trusted sources |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1996 |
| Latest Standard | VST 3 (2008) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .dll, .vst3 |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Steinberg Cubase |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
 Ableton Live |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
| FL Studio |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
 Audacity (with VST enabler) |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: Microsoft Visio Drawing Template (Legacy)
Microsoft Visio utilizes vector graphics to create diagrams. VST files are Visio drawing templates. These templates contain default layout and settings for the creation of new Visio drawings. Microsof...
General Information
| Title | VST File Extension |
| Extension | .vst |
| Full Form | Visio Drawing Template (Legacy) |
| File Type | Vector Graphic Template |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | application/vnd.visio |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store template |
| Additional Functions | Provide stencil, shapes |
| Features | Reusable, Pre-formatted |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High resolution |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Business Diagrams | Yes |
| Flowcharts | Yes |
| Network Diagrams | Yes |
| Architectural Design | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Macro viruses |
| Best Practices | Scan for malware, Disable macros |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1992 |
| Latest Version | Visio 2019 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .vsdx, .vsd, .vss, .vstx |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Visio |
Paid | Windows |
 LibreOffice Draw |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Nektra Advanced Computing VSD Viewer |
Paid | Windows |
Type 3: Targa Bitmap Image
The VST file extension refers to a Targa bitmap image file. Targa bitmap files use 1 to 32 bits per pixel to store image data, with 24 bits for RGB data and 8 bits for the alpha channel. VST files are...
General Information
| Title | VST File Extension |
| Extension | .vst |
| Full Form | Targa Bitmap Image |
| File Type | Bitmap Image File |
| Developer | Truevision Inc. |
| MIME Type | image/x-targa |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store images |
| Additional Functions | Alpha channels, Compression |
| Features | High quality, Lossless |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High resolution |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | Yes |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Photo Editing | Yes |
| Graphic Design | Yes |
| Game Textures | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low risk |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Verified sources |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | Targa 2 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .tga, .bmp, .png |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Adobe Photoshop |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
 GIMP |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| PaintShop Pro |
Paid | Windows |