PRN files: what are they and how do I open them?
Are you facing difficulties opening unknown files on your computer, or wondering exactly what this file is?
We've got the information and best software solutions for opening these files effortlessly.
.prn file type #1: Output from HP PCL printer
prn files are commonly found as different printer output files for HP printers. They are usually generated as a printer export when a HP printer is chosen instead of PostScript / PDF output.
Further details:
PRN file is a type of file that is created by a PostScript printer, printer driver, or a printer spooler. In the context of HP PCL printer output, a PRN file is a complete, preformatted document that is ready to be printed directly without any further processing.
PRN format contains the text to be printed and commands for the printer such as font size, color, and paper size. The file is created by the printer driver and then sent to the printer for actual printing. The advantage of PRN files is that they can be used to print a document on a different printer or at a different location, without the need for the original application that created the document.
This is useful in situations where the original application is not available, or the document needs to be printed in a specific way that the original application does not support.
Open file with:
Canvas
A drawing software used to create technical illustrations and graphics
.prn file type #2: Calcomp Raster graphics file
Files with prn extension are associated with Calcomp plotters and digitizers graphic files. They stored bitmap in black and white or 4bit CMYK.
Further details:
File extension prn is used for raster graphic files, used in Calcomp plotters and digitizers. Seems like very old graphic file format, probably no longer used. Calcomp shut down all of its operations in 1999.
A .prn file is a bitmap in black and white, or 4bit CMYK.
We are sorry, there is currently no specific software link to open this kind of file.
.prn file type #3: DataFlex graphic device driver
The prn extension files are related to DataFlex program, where they are used as graphics device data drivers.
Further details:
The prn file extension is associated with DataFlex. In 2.x versions of DataFlex, .prn files contain graphic device driver data. Some .prn files can also be debugging output from the compiler.
Open file with:
DataFlex
A relational, 4GL Object Oriented database programming language
.prn file type #4: Lotus 1-2-3 formatted text
A prn file extension is related to the Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet editors. A prn file stores formatted text.
Further details:
The prn file extension is associated with the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet application popular in 80's and 90's developed by the International Business Machines (IBM).
The prn file contains Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet stored in simple text format.
The .prn files are used to export Lotus 1-2-3 data to other applications, such as Microsoft Excel.
Open file with:
Lotus 1-2-3
Old spreadsheet program from IBM
.prn file type #5: SmartWare report printed to disk
Files with prn file extension might also be found as some sort of printed file generated by the Smartware plartform.
Further details:
The prn file extension is associated with the SmartWare programming platform that uses Faircom database engine also including word processor, spreadsheet editor and communication modules.
The .prn file contains text printed to file stored on hard disk.
Open file with:
SmartWare
A programming platform