What is CPI File Format and How to Open It

CPI files are residual files created on older camcorders from brands like Sony and Panasonic. You probably ended up with these files on your desktop when you copied the videos from these cameras. Now, you're having trouble opening them and perhaps even wondering whether you should delete them. CPI files hold pertinent information about videos recorded on camcorders. Without these files, the videos will not work properly. You may compromise the quality of the videos or, worse, lose some important data from the videos. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you learn everything you need to know about CPI file format, including how to open and convert CPI files.

Part 1: What is CPI File Format?

A CPI file is a descriptive file that contains video clip information about AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) videos. The file stores a variety of data about videos recorded on AVCHD camcorders like Sony Handy Cam and Panasonic camcorders. This data includes video format, frames per second, video resolution, metadata, and other technical information.

CPI stands for clip information and is generally stored in the AVCHD/BDMV/CLIPINF directory of AVCHD camcorders. CPI files are not only important for proper handling of the videos during playback, but also for ensuring seamless editing. While deleting CPI files won't delete the videos, it will likely cause playback and editing issues. For instance, video editors may have trouble identifying or opening video files or even editing them effectively.

Part 2: Can You Convert CPI Files to MP4?

CPI files are not video files. They are metadata files for the videos associated with them. They themselves do not have any video data. In principle, they are more like XML files and only offer descriptions of other video files. Therefore, converting non-video files like CPI to a video format like MP4 is impossible.

That said, the videos associated with CPI files can be converted to MP4 format. AVCHD videos associated with CPI files generally have .MTS or .M2TS file extension. These are legitimate videos and can be converted to other video formats like MP4.

Part 3: Top 4 Tools for Opening CPI Files on Desktop

1. Sony Vegas Pro

Since Sony developed the AVCHD format, it's only natural that Sony offers a tool to open and read CPI files. Sony Vegas Pro is a premium video editor from the brand, which is compatible with all video file formats part of the Sony ecosystem, including MTS and CPI files. While it costs a pretty penny, you get ownership for lifetime.

Pros

Natively supports CPI files and can open them without any issues
Easy to use, even for beginners
Excellent video editing capabilities

Cons

Premium tool
Windows version only

2. Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is a professional video editor from Apple and supports a vast variety of video formats, including AVCHD clips. So, Final Cut Pro can directly read CPI files when editing MTS video files associated with them. If you're a professional video editor or an enthusiast who needs professional-grade video editing capabilities, Final Cut Pro is a good investment. That's twice as true if you work with AVCHD clips and CPI files.

Pros

User-friendly. Automatically pulls CPI files when their MTS files are opened
Highly optimized for the macOS platform
Outstanding editing features

Cons

Best for Mac users only
Expensive

3. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro cannot open CPI files directly. However, it can handle AVCHD files effortlessly. So, the tool supports CPI file format as part of the AVCHD workflows. As the industry standard for high-quality video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro brings powerful features to AVGHD video editing.

Pros

Native support for CPI file format
Outstanding video editing features
Can convert AVCHD videos to another format

Cons

Expensive
Complicated tool
Not suitable for low-end devices

4. PowerDirector

PowerDirector is another professional video editor with advanced features. It natively supports CPI files as part of AVCHD workflows. This way, Avid Media Composer can edit MTS and M2TS videos with all their metadata intact. The tool excels at editing complex video projects and handles older video formats with ease. So, you'll encounter no issues when working on CPI and related video files with Avid Media Composer.

Pros

Outstanding professional-grade tool
Native support for CPI files
Affordable

Cons

Complex tool

Bonus: Convert Recorded Videos to Commonly MP4 Format

Old and outdated recorded videos always tend to have compatibility issues. HitPaw Univd (HitPaw Video Converter) solves this problem by converting them to any preferred modern format. Indeed, HitPaw Univd lets users convert recorded videos with segregated video and metadata files to unified video container outputs containing video and metadata information in a single file for convenience.

FAQs about CPI File

Q1. Are there any mobile apps that support CPI files?

A1. Not really. There are no mobile apps that can directly handle CPI files. However, several tools that work with AVCHD workflows can handle CPI files. Tools like Kinemaster, Adobe Premiere Rush, PowerDirector, etc., can import AVCHD video files and pull CPI files along with them. However, their ability to edit CPI files is limited and varies from one app to another.

Q2. Can CPI files be edited?

A2. CPI files are essentially XML files and can be edited with a text editor. However, it's strongly advised against editing them unless the user has deep knowledge of the AVCHD structure and XML formatting. Manual editing of CPI files can cause lasting damage to them and the associated video files. A more practical solution is to edit the AVCHD video files associated with the CPI files.

Q3. What happens if a CPI file is missing from a video project?

A3. If the CPI file from a recorded video project is missing, it may cause playback issues or editing problems. Video editors may be unable to identify and import the AVCHD files with missing CPI files.

Conclusion

The CPI files help maintain the integrity and organization of video clips during playback and editing. While CPI files themselves cannot be converted to video formats like MP4, the videos they support (MTS/M2TS) can be easily converted. If you're missing a CPI file, it could lead to playback or editing issues, so it's always best to keep these files intact. Therefore, tools like HitPaw Univd can easily convert AVCHD videos to modern formats like MP4 while preserving both video quality and metadata. HitPaw Univd is what professionals use to convert thousands of old videos into modern formats for convenience.

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