DLC vs. CCF vs. RSDF – the container formats compared

DLC, CCF and RSDF are encrypted link-container formats: they bundle several download links together and shield them from prying eyes. This page compares the three formats briefly and shows which one is relevant today – and how Zaulto positions them.

Container formats at a glance
FormatMeaningEncryptionRelevant today?Readable by JDownloader?
DLCDownload Link ContainerClient-server key exchangeYes – the most common formatYes
CCFClick'n'Load Container FileOwn container encryptionRarely – olderYes
RSDFRSDF containerSymmetric container encryptionSeldom – outdatedYes

DLC – today's standard

DLC (Download Link Container) is the most common format and uses a client-server model for encryption and decryption: the actual link information is processed on the user's side, while the server only handles the key exchange. DLC is supported directly by common download managers such as JDownloader, which makes it the format of choice.

What is a DLC container? – explained in detail

CCF and RSDF – the older formats

CCF (Click'n'Load Container File) and RSDF are older container formats with a purpose similar to DLC: bundling several links encrypted. They are rarely created today but can still be read by JDownloader. For new containers there is practically no reason to use CCF or RSDF instead of DLC.

Which format should you use?

In practice, DLC is the right choice: widely supported, current and compatible with Click'n'Load. Zaulto exports your containers in the common DLC format and additionally offers Click'n'Load – you don't need CCF or RSDF for that. This makes you instantly compatible with download managers such as JDownloader.

How to share download links securely – the complete guide

In short: DLC is today's standard, CCF and RSDF are largely history. With Zaulto you create DLC containers right in the browser – encrypted, access-protected and instantly compatible with JDownloader.