Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.SFF
File Type
Standard Flowgram Format
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .sff file format
The Standard Flowgram Format (SFF) is a specialized binary file format primarily utilized in the field of bioinformatics to store data generated by the Roche 454 GS series of DNA sequencing machines. This format is crucial because it captures the raw output of pyrosequencing, specifically the flowg…
File extension
.SFF
File type
Standard Flowgram Format
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .sff file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .sff.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .sff file?
File extension details and usage information
The Standard Flowgram Format (SFF) is a specialized binary file format primarily utilized in the field of bioinformatics to store data generated by the Roche 454 GS series of DNA sequencing machines. This format is crucial because it captures the raw output of pyrosequencing, specifically the flowgram values which indicate the magnitude of light emitted during the incorporation of nucleotides. Unlike simple text-based formats like FASTA, the SFF file maintains a comprehensive record of the sequencing process, including the sequence of bases, their corresponding quality scores, and the precise signal intensities for every flow of the four nucleotides. Structurally, an SFF file is divided into a global header containing metadata about the sequencing run, followed by individual records for each DNA read. Each read record includes its own header and data section, detailing the base calls and the quality metrics. Although the 454 sequencing technology is no longer the industry standard, having been replaced by high-throughput platforms, SFF files are still frequently encountered in genomic archives and legacy research projects. Specialized software tools are required to parse these binary files, often converting them into more accessible formats like FASTQ for modern alignment and assembly pipelines.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .sff files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .sff files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .sff file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .sff file.
Why can't I open a .sff file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .sff format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .sff files
To open a .sff file, use software that supports this file format.
- CLC Genomics Workbench
- Geneious Prime
- SFFWiz
- EMBOSS
- sff_extract
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .sff file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.