HP PCL printer output
File type: Document file
Files with prn extension can be usually encountered as various printer output files for HP printers. Typically created as an printer export when a HP printer is selected as an alternative to PostScript / PDF output.
Found 5 different file type records with the same prn filename suffix.
File type category:
Document file
Date updated: December 30, 2024
File extension prn is commonly used for various printer output files that are exported by numerous programs and typically generated by a HP printer driver (for example PCL5, or PCL6). As PCL is device dependent, it should work on most platforms and printer devices that support it.
Generally speaking, the primary purpose of the printer driver is to translate the generic output from an application such into something the printer can understand and interpret. The output can be from documents, pictures or anything else that can be printed on paper.
The prn file contains instructions for a printer, so the machine knows what to print on the page and also which paper try to use, the paper size and other settings.
Interestingly enough, you can still generate a .prn even in modern Windows apps (Office programs for example) even in the latest Windows 10 (Print function and "print to file" check box), but since prn file extension is not associated by default with any program, it will be useless to you unless you have some interpreter installed on your machine or need it for some particular purpose.
Note: Occasionally, PostScript files generated by the "print to file" option in older Windows produced also .prn file, also when a PostScript printer was chosen. However, the typical extension for PostScript is ps file extension.
In most cases, you will need a HP printer in order to print these files, but any printer with HPs PLC support should be capable of printing the content of .prn file.
You can also use any of the available printer interpreters, such as GhostScript.
Some PDF converters allow users to translate / convert .prn files to .pdf or PostScript files.
Software applications that can open prn files:
Multiplatform
Programs for viewing prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that create prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that convert prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that print prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Before virtual PDF printer was common function in Windows s, the only way to produce a print file wa...
File type category:
Bitmap image file
Date updated: October 30, 2026
CalComp raster graphics files were used with equipment and software from CalComp, a manufacturer of plotters and digitizers. The format stores raster image data intended for output or processing by that equipment.
A .prn file is a bitmap in black and white or 4-bit CMYK color. The format is obsolete. CalComp ended its operations in 1999, so these files are no longer commonly created or supported by current graphics applications.
A prn file generally requires older CalComp software or a specialized graphics application that supports CalComp raster files. Modern image viewers may not recognize this format.
It may be possible to convert or export a CalComp raster file if a compatible CalComp or specialist graphics program can open it. Use the program's export function to save the image in a current bitmap format such as TIFF, BMP, or PNG.
Without compatible software, conversion may not be practical because standard image-conversion tools may not reliably interpret the file.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: September 14, 2017
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.
It is not possible to open prn extension files.
Files with prn extension are not convertable.
Software applications that handle other tasks involving prn files:
Linux/Unix
File type category:
Text file
Date updated: October 24, 2026
Lotus 1-2-3 was a spreadsheet application developed by Lotus Development Corporation and later owned by IBM. It was widely used during the 1980s and 1990s.
A prn file contains Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet data in a simple, formatted text representation. It is intended for exchanging or exporting readable spreadsheet contents rather than preserving a complete native workbook.
Microsoft Excel for Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS / Mac OS X can also work with this type of file. The format is now mainly of historical interest because Lotus 1-2-3 is no longer in widespread use.
Open the prn file with Lotus 1-2-3 where it is available. Microsoft Excel for Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS / Mac OS X can also open Lotus 1-2-3 formatted text files.
In Excel, use the file-opening command and, if necessary, select the appropriate text-file option when the file is not recognised automatically.
Open the prn file in Lotus 1-2-3 or Microsoft Excel, then save or export it in a current spreadsheet or text format. Because this is a formatted text representation, conversion may not retain all workbook features such as formulas or original formatting.
Software applications that can open prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Software applications that can edit prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Software capable of saving prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Software apps that create prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that import prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that export prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that print prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Software applications that handle other tasks involving prn files:
Microsoft Windows
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: April 24, 2019
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.
Use SmartWare to open .prn report printed to disk files.
Probably cannot be converted to anything else.
Software apps that create prn files:
Microsoft Windows
Online conversions and file conversion information are provided by 101convert.com.
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