TAP File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .tap
Full Name Commodore 64 Cassette Tape Image
Primary Association Commodore 64 Emulation
File Type Digital Tape Format
MIME Type application/x-c64-tape
Format Binary
Usage Storing C64 program data
Data Encoding Pulse Code Modulation
Header Bytes Variable; typically contains identification data
Compatibility Commodore 64 emulators and hardware (with appropriate equipment)
Primary Application VIC-20 / Commodore 64 Emulation Software
Used for Backup Yes
Editable With specific tools
Compression Possible but not inherent
Maximum File Size Dependent on storage medium and file system limits
Developer Commodore International
File Identification Signatures, header data
Audio Representation Simulates audio signals representing data
Storage Philosophy Designed to mimic the data storage of physical C64 cassettes
Benefits Preservation of C64 software, Easy transfer between modern systems and C64 hardware/emulators