FCS

fcs icon

Flow Cytometry Standard data file

File type: Various data file

A .fcs file contains flow cytometry data saved in the Flow Cytometry Standard format.

Flow cytometry acquisition and analysis software uses FCS files to store measurements collected from individual cells or other microscopic particles.

Found 7 different file type records with the same fcs filename suffix.

What is fcs file?

File type category:
Various data file

Date updated: October 6, 2026

Flow Cytometry Standard is an interchange format for flow cytometry data. Flow cytometry counts, examines, and sorts microscopic particles suspended in a fluid stream, allowing simultaneous analysis of physical and chemical characteristics as particles pass through an optical or electronic detection system.

An FCS file typically contains event measurements together with metadata such as sample information, parameter names, and instrument or acquisition settings. It is designed to transfer data between flow cytometers and analysis applications rather than being tied to one particular program.

The format is maintained through standards work associated with the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry and remains widely used for exchanging flow cytometry results.

How to open fcs file?

Open the file with flow cytometry analysis software that supports the FCS format, such as FlowJo or FCS Express. Instrument manufacturer's acquisition software may also open files produced by compatible cytometers.

Choose the file from the program's import or open command. The available analysis features depend on the application and on the metadata and measurements stored in the file.

How to convert fcs file?

FCS files generally do not need conversion for flow cytometry analysis. Compatible analysis software can usually import the file and export event measurements, selected populations, or summary results to formats such as CSV, although the exact options vary by program.

Exporting to a general tabular format can discard flow cytometry metadata, instrument settings, compensation information, or population structure. Keep the original FCS file when preserving the complete dataset is important.

c-tree Server/Plus data

File type category:
Various data file

Date updated: May 13, 2019

The fcs file extension is used by c-treeACE (ACE is abbreviation for Advanced Core Engine), a database engine for developing fast database applications.

The fcs file stores various data used for internal purposes of the c-tree Server.

How to open fcs file?

Probably not meant to be accessed by the user.

How to convert fcs file?

Probably cannot be converted to anything else.

Suggested software to open fcs file:

Associated software actions with the fcs file

Software apps that create fcs files:

Microsoft Windows

Software applications that handle other tasks involving fcs files:

Microsoft Windows

Canon ZoomBrowser EX data

File type category:
Various data file

Date updated: May 15, 2019

The fcs file extension is associated with the Canon ZoomBrowser, a digital photo management software for Microsoft Windows developed by Canon.

The fcs file stores various data used for internal purposes of the Canon ZoomBrowser.

How to open fcs file?

Probably not meant to be accessed by the user.

How to convert fcs file?

Probably cannot be converted to anything else.

Suggested software to open fcs file:

Associated software actions with the fcs file

Software applications that handle other tasks involving fcs files:

Microsoft Windows

Foobar2000 columns UI settings

File type category:
Settings, options, themes or skins file

Date updated: October 23, 2018

The fcs file extension is associated with the Foobar2000, a free multimedia player for Microsoft Windows operating system that supports various audio and video formats.

These fcs files contain saved columns UI settings.

How to open fcs file?

Probably not meant to be accessed by the user.

How to convert fcs file?

Probably cannot be converted to anything else.

Suggested software to open fcs file:

Associated software actions with the fcs file

Software apps that manage or store settings in fcs files:

Microsoft Windows

RapidForm polygon faces data

File type category:
Various data file

Date updated: June 14, 2019

The fcs file extension is associated with the RapidForm (also known as Geomagic Explorer), a 3D scan and inspection software for Microsoft Windows.

The fcs file stores polygon faces data.

How to open fcs file?

Probably not meant to be accessed by the user.

How to convert fcs file?

Probably cannot be converted to anything else.

Suggested software to open fcs file:

Associated software actions with the fcs file

Software applications that handle other tasks involving fcs files:

RealProducer Pro settings

File type category:
Settings, options, themes or skins file

Date updated: October 2, 2026

RealProducer Pro was multimedia streaming software from RealNetworks for Microsoft Windows. It was also known as Helix Producer.

An FCS file contains settings used by RealProducer, allowing the software to retain its configuration between sessions. It is a support file for the application rather than a media file.

The format is associated with the Windows version of RealProducer. RealProducer is discontinued, so FCS files are mainly encountered with older installations.

How to open fcs file?

Open the file with RealProducer Pro on Microsoft Windows. The software normally reads its FCS settings files automatically; they are not intended to be opened as documents.

If RealProducer is unavailable, a general text or binary editor may show the file's contents, but it will not provide a usable way to edit the settings.

How to convert fcs file?

FCS settings files are not media files and do not have a meaningful conversion to another format. Keep the file with the relevant RealProducer installation if its settings are needed.

Suggested software to open fcs file:

Associated software actions with the fcs file

Software apps that manage or store settings in fcs files:

Microsoft Windows

Spectrum server log file

File type category:
Document file

Date updated: October 2, 2026

VisualRadio is worldwide remote-control software and an audio analyzer used by various military and police organizations. Its Spectrum server creates .fcs files to store server log data.

Related file extensions