IPF files exist as 5 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Interchangeable Preservation File
IPF stands for Interchangeable Preservation Format. It is the file format defined and used by the Software Preservation Society to preserve content - floppy disk images. Its naming is abstract for goo...
General Information
| Title | IPF File Extension |
| Extension | .ipf |
| Full Form | Interchangeable Preservation File |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | The Software Preservation Society |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Replicate disk |
| Additional Functions | Preservation, Emulation |
| Features | Exact copy, Copy protection |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High fidelity |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Retro Gaming | Yes |
| Software Preservation | Yes |
| Digital Archives | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Checksum verification |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2000s |
| Latest Version | Varies by tool |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .adf, .dms, .t64 |
Type 2: OS/2 Help File
The ipf file extension is associated with the IBM OS/2 operating system. Files contain help documentation for OS/2 or AIX. IPF help files are written in Generalized Markup Language, developed by IBM. ...
General Information
| Title | IPF File Extension |
| Extension | .ipf |
| Full Form | Interactive Presentation File |
| File Type | Help File |
| Developer | IBM |
| MIME Type | application/x-ipf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Display help information |
| Additional Functions | Store formatted text, images |
| Features | Indexed, Searchable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Formatted text |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes, with specific tools |
Use Cases
| Documentation | Yes |
| Help Systems | Yes |
| Guides | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Validate source |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1987 |
| Latest Version | Part of OS/2 Warp 4 (1996) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .hlp, .chm, .pdf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 IBM IPFC Preprocessor |
Included with OS/2 | OS/2 |
 NewView |
Free | OS/2, eComStation, ArcaOS |
| HelpView |
Free | OS/2 |
Type 3: iMPACT Project File
General Information
| Title | IPF File Extension |
| Extension | .ipf |
| Full Form | iMPACT Project File |
| File Type | Configuration File |
| Developer | Xilinx |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store configuration |
| Additional Functions | Program FPGA devices |
| Features | Binary format, Device-specific |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Highly structured |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Indirectly |
Use Cases
| FPGA Programming | Yes |
| Hardware Configuration | Yes |
| Embedded Systems | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Configuration tampering |
| Best Practices | Version control, Secure storage |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Associated with ISE |
| Latest Version | Corresponds to Vivado updates |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .bit, .mcs, .xcf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Xilinx ISE |
Licensed | Windows, Linux |
| Xilinx Vivado Design Suite |
Licensed, Free(WebPACK edition) | Windows, Linux |
Type 4: SMS Installer Script
General Information
| Title | IPF File Extension |
| Extension | .ipf |
| Full Form | SMS Installer Script |
| File Type | Script File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Installer script |
| Additional Functions | Automate installations |
| Features | Scripting, Configuration |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Script dependant |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Software Deployment | Yes |
| System Configuration | Yes |
| Automated Installation | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Script vulnerabilities |
| Best Practices | Validation, Secure scripting |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1990s |
| Associated With | Systems Management Server |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .bat, .cmd, .exe |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Installer |
Part of SMS | Windows |
Type 5: PCAN-Explorer Panel File
General Information
| Title | IPF File Extension |
| Extension | .ipf |
| Full Form | PCAN-Explorer Panel File |
| File Type | Configuration File |
| Developer | PEAK-System Technik |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store panel configurations |
| Additional Functions | Define instrument panels |
| Features | Custom layout, Interactive controls |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Highly configurable |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| CAN Bus Monitoring | Yes |
| Automotive Diagnostics | Yes |
| Data Logging | Yes |
| Custom Instrumentation | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Safe storage |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Associated with PCAN-Explorer versions |
| Latest Version | Linked to PCAN-Explorer 6 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .trc, .log, .pcc |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| PCAN-Explorer 6 |
Commercial | Windows |