How to Open and Save Bfxr Sound Files

Updated

Bfxr opens existing sound files with CTRL+O and saves the current sound with CTRL+S. The tool works with two file types: .bfxr files, which store a single sound's parameters, and .bcol files, which hold a collection of sounds. You can also drag a file directly onto the Bfxr interface to load it. Everything below comes from the shortcuts and about sections listed on bfxr.net.

Opening a Bfxr file

There are two ways to load a saved sound or collection:

  • CTRL+O — opens a .bfxr or .bcol file from disk.
  • Drag and drop — drag the file onto the Bfxr window to load it.

The page lists both methods, so either works depending on whether you prefer the keyboard or the mouse. If you are loading a .bcol file, expect a set of sounds rather than a single one; a .bfxr file loads one sound's settings.

Saving your work

  • CTRL+S — saves the current sound as a .bfxr file.

This preserves the parameters so you can reopen and keep editing later. If you want an audio file rather than an editable project file, that is a separate action: CTRL+E exports the current sound as a WAV file. Use CTRL+S when you plan to come back and tweak the sound; use CTRL+E when you need the finished audio for a game or other project.

Reusing sounds across sessions

Because .bfxr files store parameters rather than rendered audio, saving with CTRL+S lets you reload a sound and continue adjusting it. Two related shortcuts help when you are working with sounds you have already made:

  • CTRL+C copies the current sound.
  • CTRL+V pastes a copied sound.

This is useful for duplicating a sound before mutating it, so you keep the original while experimenting with a variant.

Quick reference

Action Shortcut
Open .bfxr/.bcol file from disk CTRL+O
Save current sound as .bfxr CTRL+S
Export current sound as WAV CTRL+E
Copy current sound CTRL+C
Paste current sound CTRL+V
Play currently selected sound SPACE or ENTER
Randomize all parameters R
Mutate current sound M
Lock/unlock all parameters L

Common snags

  • CTRL+S does not produce a WAV. It saves an editable .bfxr file. For audio output, use CTRL+E instead.
  • A .bcol file is not a single sound. It is a collection, so loading one brings in multiple sounds rather than one.
  • Drag-and-drop and CTRL+O do the same job. If the keyboard shortcut is not responding, try dragging the file onto the window.