What is an RPY file?
An .RPY file is primarily a visual novel game script created for the Ren'Py Visual Novel Engine. Developers use these files to write game dialogue, manage logic, and define character actions using a scripting language based on Python.
However, the .RPY file extension is also used for completely different data types. It frequently stores game replays. For example, it is used as a racing simulation replay file by iRacing, a motorcycle game replay file in PiBoSo games like MX Bikes, and a billiards game replay file in ShootersPool. Additionally, it serves as a Touhou Project Replay File created by Team Shanghai Alice.
How to open RPY files?
Because an .RPY file has multiple possible meanings, it can be hard to know which software to use. We recommend using viewer.online/rpy to identify the actual format of your file. viewer.online/rpy analyzes .RPY files to identify their exact format and creator software, shows which programs can open the file, and usually previews it.
If your file is a visual novel script, you can open it with any standard text editor, such as Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code. If your file is a game replay, it is not plain text. You must place the file into the correct game directory and view the replay inside the game engine itself.
Software and conversion tools
If you need to share your game script with a writer or editor, we recommend file conversion to sensible target formats on convert.guru. You can convert text-based .RPY files into standard .TXT, .PY, or .PDF documents. Be aware that game replay files generally cannot be converted into video files like .MP4.
Summary
Because .RPY script files use the known UTF-8 format, viewer.online/rpy can safely open and display them online, eliminating compatibility problems.