CIB File – What is .cib file and how to open it?
CIB File Extension
Luminaire Data File – file format by DIAL
CIB (Luminaire Data File) is a file format developed by DIAL for the exchange of luminaire data. It includes information such as the luminaire’s geometry, photometric data, and electrical characteristics.
CIB File Format
A CIB file, short for CIE Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Computer Interchange Binary file, is a structured text file format used to store photometric data for luminaires (light fixtures). It is an industry-standard file format developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and is widely used by lighting designers, manufacturers, and researchers to exchange lighting data. CIB files contain detailed information about a luminaire’s luminous intensity distribution, including its candela values, beam angles, and color temperature. This data is crucial for lighting calculations, simulations, and rendering, allowing professionals to accurately predict the lighting performance of a luminaire in various installation scenarios.
Structure and Features
CIB files follow a specific text-based format that includes various sections, such as a header section, optics section, and calibration section. The header section provides general information about the luminaire, including its manufacturer, model number, and photometric type. The optics section contains photometric data, such as the luminaire’s candela distribution at specific angles and its luminous flux. The calibration section provides information about the calibration conditions and measurement equipment used to generate the photometric data. CIB files also support additional sections for storing other relevant information, such as chromaticity coordinates, beam shape diagrams, and energy consumption data. By standardizing the way lighting data is exchanged, CIB files facilitate collaboration and data sharing among lighting professionals, enabling efficient design and analysis of lighting systems.
Opening CIB Files using DIALux Software
CIB files are specialized luminaire data files employed within the DIALux software platform. DIALux is a professional lighting design software suite, used by lighting engineers and professionals to plan and optimize lighting systems. To open CIB files, the DIALux software must be installed on the computer. Once installed, open the DIALux program and navigate to the “File” menu. Select “Open” and locate the CIB file you wish to open. After selecting the file, click “Open” to import the luminaire data into the DIALux project.
Accessing CIB File Data without DIALux
While DIALux is the primary software for opening and utilizing CIB files, there are limited options for accessing the data contained within CIB files without using DIALux. One method is to convert the CIB file into a different format, such as EULUMDAT or IESNA, which can be opened by various lighting design software programs or online tools. To convert CIB files, third-party file conversion tools or online services can be employed. However, it’s important to note that converting CIB files to other formats may result in loss of data or compatibility issues.
CIB File Format
A CIB file, also known as a Luminaire Data File, is an industry-standard format developed by the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) to store and exchange lighting data. CIB files are typically used for photometric data, which describes the light distribution characteristics of a luminaire. The file format includes information such as the luminaire’s geometry, photometric measurements, and other relevant data. CIB files are widely used in the lighting industry for lighting design, simulation, and analysis.
Benefits of CIB Files
CIB files offer several advantages for storing and exchanging lighting data:
- Standardization: CIB files conform to an established industry standard, ensuring compatibility between different lighting software and applications.
- Data Exchange: CIB files facilitate the exchange of photometric data between lighting manufacturers, lighting designers, and other professionals.
- Interoperability: CIB files can be imported and exported into various lighting simulation and design software, enabling easy data exchange and collaboration.
- Comprehensive Data: CIB files capture a comprehensive range of photometric data, including light distribution curves, illuminance values, and other relevant information.
- Accuracy: CIB files are generated using standardized measurement procedures, ensuring accurate and reliable data for lighting calculations and design.