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CDG File - What is a .cdg file and how do I open it?
Learn about .CDG files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a CDG file? A CDG file is a song track image created in the Compact Disc plus Graphics (CDG) format. It contains raw, low-resolution graphics that correspond to a song in an associated audio file. CDG files are commonly used by karaoke programs to display lyrics and simple visual effects while the music plays.
More Information One of the most prominent karaoke systems that use CDG files is the PocketCDG portable karaoke system. In this context, CDG files act like ROM files, storing a digital copy of a karaoke track's graphics data from a CD+G disc, including synchronized lyrics, timing information, and background graphics, in a binary format based on the CD+G standard. The karaoke device reads these files alongside the corresponding audio track (typically an .MP3 file) to display lyrics and visual effects during playback. Karaoke enthusiasts and developers working with digital karaoke content may encounter CDG files when extracting or preparing tracks for portable systems.
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.CDG File Extension
Compact Disc Plus Graphics Image
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.6 | 13 Votes |
What is a CDG file?
A CDG file is a song track image created in the Compact Disc plus Graphics (CDG) format. It contains raw, low-resolution graphics that correspond to a song in an associated audio file. CDG files are commonly used by karaoke programs to display lyrics and simple visual effects while the music plays.
More Information
One of the most prominent karaoke systems that use CDG files is the PocketCDG portable karaoke system. In this context, CDG files act like ROM files, storing a digital copy of a karaoke track's graphics data from a CD+G disc, including synchronized lyrics, timing information, and background graphics, in a binary format based on the CD+G standard.
The karaoke device reads these files alongside the corresponding audio track (typically an .MP3 file) to display lyrics and visual effects during playback. Karaoke enthusiasts and developers working with digital karaoke content may encounter CDG files when extracting or preparing tracks for portable systems.
How to open a CDG file
You can open CDG files with karaoke playback software that supports the CD+G format, such as PocketCDG, KaraFun Player, and Siglos Karaoke Player. When opened together with the matching audio track, the software displays the synchronized lyrics and visual elements while the song plays, providing a full karaoke experience.
VideoLAN VLC media player and Nullsoft Winamp with CDG plug-in also support CDG files. However, support is inconsistent.
Open and view .CDG files with File Viewer Plus . Free Download
Programs that open or reference CDG files
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Program Name
Platform
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X
Windows
File Viewer Plus
—
Get it from Microsoft
Free +
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Nullsoft Winamp with CDG plug-in
Free
PocketCDG
Free
KaraFun Player
—
Discontinued
Free
Siglos Karaoke Player
Paid
Mac
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Linux
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Category: Raster Image Files
Updated: March 17, 2026