.ROM File Extension

ROM files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Read Only Memory Image

A ROM file contains read-only data used to store firmware or software. It allows older software to run on newer operating systems. ROM files backup data from devices like computers or video games. The...

General Information

Title ROM File Extension
Extension .rom
Full Form Read Only Memory Image
File Type Memory Dump File
Developer Varies by device/manufacturer
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store firmware
Additional Functions Software emulation, Device operation
Features Non-volatile, Firmware code

File Characteristics

Quality Fixed, Device-specific
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable No

Use Cases

Gaming Emulation Yes
Device Firmware Yes
Software Development No

Security and Practices

Security Risks Piracy concerns, Malware
Best Practices Legal sourcing, Secure handling

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Varies
Latest Version Device-specific

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .bin, .n64, .nds, .gba

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
MAME Free Windows, Mac, Linux
EMU7800 Free Windows
NO$GBA Free Windows

Type 2: N64 Game ROM File

A ROM file contains an exact copy of the ROM chip data for a device. ROMs are acquired from cartridges and discs through "Dumping." ROM files may enable older OS software to run on newer operating sys...

General Information

Title ROM File Extension
Extension .rom
Full Form N64 Game ROM File
File Type Game ROM File
Developer Various
MIME Type application/x-n64-rom

File Function

Primary Function Store game data
Additional Functions Emulation, Backup
Features Binary format, Read-only

File Characteristics

Quality Varies
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency No
Editable No

Use Cases

Video Gaming Yes
Software Preservation Yes
Game Development No

Security and Practices

Security Risks Copyright infringement
Best Practices Legal usage, Regular backups

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1996
Latest Version Dependent on game

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .n64, .z64, .v64

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Project64 Free Windows
Mupen64Plus Free Windows, Mac, Linux
RetroArch Free Various platforms

Type 3: Killing Floor Map File

There are 3 file types using the ROM file extension in our database. The ROM file is a data file containing an exact copy of the read-only memory chip, typically from a computer or video game. ROM fil...

General Information

Title .ROM File Extension
Extension .rom
Full Form Killing Floor Map File
File Type Game Map File
Developer Tripwire Interactive
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store map data
Additional Functions Define level layout, Store level objects, textures
Features Binary format

File Characteristics

Quality Game-specific
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable With editor

Use Cases

Game Design Yes
Modding Yes
Custom Maps Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Validate, Backup

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2005
Latest Version Depends on game updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .unr, .ut2, .ut3

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Killing Floor Paid Windows, Mac, Linux
UnrealEd Part of game Windows