What is a PRN file and what is it used for (characteristics)

The PRN file is a text file created by Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet. Contains the export of the currently active spreadsheet and is saved in plain text format.

PRN files can be used to import spreadsheet data into other programs such as Microsoft Excel.

PRN files can be printed in Mac OS X by dragging the file to the printer icon on the desktop.

En Windows, can be printed by right-clicking on the file and selecting «Microsoft Office Document Imaging» (only some versions of Microsoft Office Document Imaging supports PRN files.

You can also read: How to Open MBOX Files

What is a PRN file?

The PRN file extension stores print-ready content. PRN is a common extension used by many applications. A PRN file can be based on PostScript, may be specific to an operating system or application, or may be created for a particular printing device and its driver. A PRN file may be in the form:

• Formatted text,
• Graphics, images,
• Charts and tables,
• Printing instructions, for example, number of pages, printing style, etc.

PRN files can store data in binary or text format. PRN files are generated with the Print to File command. In Windows, users can print specific PRN files using Microsoft Office Document Imaging or from the command line. commands, sending them directly to the printer.

On Mac OS, users can drag and drop a PRN file onto the printer icon to print it. If the PRN file is based on the Microsoft XML Paper Specification, the file extension can be changed to XPS and opened with a suitable file manager.

Programs that support the PRN file extension

Below you will find a list of programs that can be used to open PRN files, sorted by their supported system platforms. Files with PRN extension can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but may not open correctly on the target system.

Programs that support PRN file

Windows

• AllWeb FastPrint
• Canvas
• DataCAD
• FastPrint
• Microsoft Office
• NotePad++ text editor
• Windows Notepad

MAC OS

• Printer driver that supports PRN files
• TextEdit

Linux

• Gedit

How can I open a PRN file?

There may be several reasons why a PRN file may not open correctly. On the other hand, the most common problem with a PRN file is that the file is not complex. In most cases, can be resolved quickly and effectively without the help of a professionalWe have put together a list of tips to help you troubleshoot problems with PRN files.

Step 1: Install the Canvas software

The most common cause of this problem is the lack of proper software that supports PRN files installed on the system. You may solve this problem by downloading and installing Canvas or other compatible program such as Microsoft Office, AllWeb FastPrint, or Windows Notepad.

If you want to download the Canvas installer in the safest way possible, we recommend that you go to the ACD Systems International Inc. website and download it from the official repository.

Step 2: Update Canvas to the latest version

If you're still having trouble opening PRN files after installing Canvas, you may have an outdated version of the software. Check the software developer's website to see if a newer version of Canvas is available.

Software developers may also update their applications to add support for new file formats. If you have an older version of Canvas installed, it may not support the PRN format.

The latest version of Canvas is backward compatible and can support file formats that are compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3: Set the default application to open PRN files in Canvas.

If the problem was not resolved in the previous step, Associate PRN files with the latest version of Canvas installed on your device. The method is quite simple and does not vary much from one operating system to another.

Select the first choice application in Windows

• Right click on the PRN file and select Open with.
• Next, select Select another app and open the list of available apps by clicking Other apps.
• To complete the process, Select Browse to find another app on this computer and use File Explorer to select the Canvas installation folder. Confirm the Always use this app to open PRN files option and click OK.

Select the first Mac OS application

• In the drop down menu, Select Information to open the file with PRN extension.
• Navigate to “Open with.” Once closed, click on the name to see the available options.
• Select Canvas and Click Edit for Everyone.
• If you have followed the steps above, you should see a message: This edit applies to all files with the PRN extension. Next, click Next to complete the process.

Step 4: Make sure the PRN is not invalid.

If you have followed the instructions in the steps above and the problem persists, you need to check the affected PRN fileIf the file is inaccessible, there could be several reasons for it.

1. Check the PRN file for viruses or malware.

If the file is infected, the malware in the PRN file makes it difficult to open the file. Immediately check the file with an antivirus program or scan your entire system to make sure it is safe. If the scanner detects that the PRN file is unsafe, follow the antivirus program's instructions to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify the integrity of the PRN file structure.

Have you received this PRN file from someone else? Ask them to resend it to you. The file may have been copied by mistake and the data may have lost its integrity, making it inaccessible.

When you downloaded a file with PRN extension from the Internet, There may have been an error which caused the file to be incomplete. Please try downloading the file again.

3. Make sure you have the correct access rights.

Some files require high permissions to be opened. Please log out of your current account and log into an account with sufficient permissions. Next, open the print format file.

4. Make sure your system has enough resources to run Canvas.

OS may have enough free resources to run an application with PRN files. Close all running programs and try to open the PRN file.

5. Make sure the latest operating system and driver updates have been installed.

An updated operating system and driver will not only make your computer more secure, but may also fix the problem with the PRN file. Outdated drivers or software may prevent your device from handling PRN files.

Problems with PRN files

Have you downloaded and installed one of these programs and you are still having problems with your PRN file? There can be several possible causes. Here are the most common reasons why PRN files can cause problems:

• Problem The PRN file is corrupted
• The file download has not been completed (downloading the file again from the same source or from an email attachment)
• There is no proper association in the Windows Registry between the PRN file and the program installed to handle it
• The file is infected with a virus or malware
• The program that manages the PRN file does not have enough resources on your computer or you do not have the appropriate drivers installed to open the file

You can also read: What Is an ASC File and How to Open It