ChessBase CBH database format

CBH is ChessBase's traditional database format. Although the format is named after the .cbh extension, a complete database is normally not one self-contained file. ChessBase distributes its information among several files that share the same base name and use different extensions.

According to ChessBase documentation, the .cbh component holds header data, meaning identifying and other general information about each game, while .cbg holds moves and variations. Other components store annotations, players, tournaments, teams, indexes, and structures that speed up searches. The application combines those components and presents the collection as one searchable database.

Copying only file.cbh can leave necessary information behind and produce an incomplete database or one that does not open correctly. Use the application's copy or backup functions, or keep every component together. The CBV format addresses this transport problem by packaging a CBH database.

CBH also differs from Portable Game Notation (PGN), a text format for exchanging games. PGN is simpler and readable by many programs, but an export may not preserve every ChessBase-specific feature. CBH prioritizes a rich, working database inside compatible software.