CHR file format

Applies to:
IWD, IWD:HoW, IWD:TotL

General Description
This file format describes a special kind of creature - the protagonist (probably also other members of party are saved in this format). The specific stats which are stored in the given structures are given by a mapping in one of the IDS or 2DA files.

Detailed Description
Overall structure:
  • CHR file header
  • Internal CRE v.9.0 file header
  • Known spells section
  • Spell memorization info
  • Memorized spells section
  • Effects
  • Items section
  • "Item slots"


  • Header is 100 (64h) bytes long.
    Offset Size (data type) Description
    0x0000 4(char array) Signature ('CHR ')
    0x0004 4(char array) Version ('V9.0')
    0x0008 32(string) Name of Protagonist/Player
    0x0028 4 (dword) Offset to CRE structure
    0x002c 4 (dword) Length of the CRE structure
    0x0030 2 (word) Index into slots.ids for Quick Weapon 1 (0xFFFF = none)
    0x0032 2 (word) Index into slots.ids for Quick Weapon 2 (0xFFFF = none)
    0x0034 2 (word) Index into slots.ids for Quick Weapon 3 (0xFFFF = none)
    0x0036 2 (word) Index into slots.ids for Quick Weapon 4 (0xFFFF = none)
    0x0038 2 (word) Show Quick Weapon 1
    0x003a 2 (word) Show Quick Weapon 2
    0x003c 2 (word) Show Quick Weapon 3
    0x003e 2 (word) Show Quick Weapon 4
    0x0040 8 (resref) Quick Spell 1 resource
    0x0048 8 (resref) Quick Spell 2 resource
    0x0050 8 (resref) Quick Spell 3 resource
    0x0058 2 (word) Index into slot.ids for Quick Item 1
    0x005a 2 (word) Index into slot.ids for Quick Item 2
    0x005c 2 (word) Index into slot.ids for Quick Item 3
    0x005e 2 (word) Show Quick Item 1
    0x0060 2 (word) Show Quick Item 2
    0x0062 2 (word) Show Quick Item 3