CIFfiler

CIFfiler is a software utility for handling Crystallographic Information Files (CIFs), the standard text-based format for representing crystallographic data. It provides tools to create, edit, validate, and organize CIFs and related dictionaries, aiming to support researchers in data submission, curation, and publication workflows.

Key features include a CIF parser, dictionary-based validation against IUCr dictionaries, editing and annotation tools, batch processing, and format conversion to mmCIF, PDB, or JSON. It offers a command-line interface and a graphical user interface, plus pluggable extensions and provenance tracking.

Architecture and interoperability: CIFfiler is designed as a modular core with extensions. It supports cross-platform deployment on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and integrates with laboratory information management systems and data repositories via APIs.

Usage and applications: used by crystallographers, materials scientists, and journals for data validation and submission; it helps maintain data quality, consistency, and traceability throughout the data lifecycle.

History and status: CIFfiler is a community-driven project with ongoing development and open-source licensing, inviting contributions.

Related topics include Crystallographic Information File (CIF), mmCIF, IUCr dictionaries, and the Protein Data Bank (PDB).