The T64 file format is an archival format used to store the contents of a Commodore 64 (C64) magnetic tape, typically a Datasette tape. These files are essentially disk images or tape images that emulate the data stored on the original physical C64 storage medium. The Commodore 64, a very popular 8-bit home computer from the 1980s, relied heavily on slow, cassette-based loading for games, software, and data. T64 files capture the exact binary structure of the data as it would appear on the tape, including the specific timing and structure required by the C64's tape drive controller. This format is crucial for emulation, allowing modern users to run classic C64 software without needing the original hardware or physical tapes. Emulators like VICE (Versatile Commodore Emulator) are the primary tools used to load and interact with T64 files, treating them as if a real tape drive were connected and playing the data. They are essential for preserving the history of C64 software distribution and gameplay.