PRN files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Print to File
A PRN file contains instructions for a printer or device to print a document. It is created using the "Print to File" option in Print dialog boxes. PRN files may contain text or binary data depending ...
General Information
| Title | PRN File Extension |
| Extension | .prn |
| Full Form | Print File |
| File Type | Printer Text File |
| Developer | Various Printer Manufacturers |
| MIME Type | application/x-prn, text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store print jobs |
| Additional Functions | Transfer printing data |
| Features | Device-specific, Raw data |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Device-dependent |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Indirectly |
Use Cases
| Printing Documents | Yes |
| Archiving Print Jobs | Yes |
| Cross-Platform Printing | No |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Print preview, Correct drivers |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies |
| Latest Version | Depends on software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .ps, .plt, .pdf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Windows |
Included with OS | Windows |
 Adobe Acrobat |
Subscription | Windows, Mac |
 Ghostview |
Free | Windows, Linux, Mac |
Type 2: Lotus 1-2-3 Formatted Text File
The prn file extension is associated with the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet application. The prn file contains Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet stored in simple text format. The .prn files are used to export Lotus 1...
General Information
| Title | PRN File Extension |
| Extension | .prn |
| Full Form | Print File |
| File Type | Formatted Text File |
| Developer | Lotus Development Corporation |
| MIME Type | application/x-printer |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store print jobs |
| Additional Functions | Save text, graphics |
| Features | Formatted, Device-specific |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High, Device-specific |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Limited |
Use Cases
| Document Printing | Yes |
| File Sharing | Rarely |
| Data Storage | Rarely |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Use updated software, Verify file source |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | Lotus 1-2-3 discontinued |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .xls, .xlsx, .csv |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Lotus 1-2-3 |
Commercial | Windows, DOS |
| Microsoft Excel |
Commercial | Windows, Mac |
| Adobe Acrobat |
Commercial | Windows, Mac |