Convert a PRN file to PDF
A .prn file is a saved print job. If it contains PCL or PostScript, it can be turned back into a PDF right here.
Converted entirely in your browser. Your file is never uploaded.
What's inside a PRN file
“PRN” isn't one format. It's whatever language the printer driver speaks. Office laser printers usually use PCL 5, PCL 6 or PostScript, which can be converted. Many low-cost printers use a private format designed for one model, which can't.
The converter reads the first part of the file to identify the language, then converts it or tells you exactly what it found.
Which PRN files work
| Format | Converted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCL 5 (5e, 5c) | Yes | Text with the printer's built-in fonts, raster graphics, color PCL 5c. Also PCL 3 raster from older DeskJet drivers, including KCMY color. |
| PCL XL / PCL 6 | Yes | Mono and color, multi-page. |
| PostScript | Yes | Output of PostScript printer drivers. |
| PJL-wrapped jobs | Yes | Printer job commands around PCL, PCL XL or PostScript are handled. |
| Already a PDF | Some “print to file” outputs are PDFs; they're given back with a .pdf name. | |
| Host-based (GDI) formats | No | HP ZjStream, XQX, JetReady and LIDIL, Canon CAPT and UFR II, Samsung/Xerox SPL, Brother HBP, Konica Minolta LAVAFLOW, Oki HIPERC, Fuji Xerox/Dell HBPL, Lexmark SLX and similar. Pages are pre-rendered for one printer model. |
| Inkjet raster formats | No | HP PCL3GUI, Epson ESC/P and ESC/P-R, PWG, CUPS and Apple URF raster. |
| XPS, HP-GL/2 plotter files | No | Not in this version. |
If yours can't be converted
- If you still have the original document, print it to Microsoft Print to PDF (Windows) or use Save as PDF (Mac) instead.
- If the PRN came from a system you can reconfigure, choose a generic PCL 6 or PostScript driver for the print-to-file printer.
- Host-based files can only be printed on the exact printer model they were made for, for example with
copy /b file.prn \\computer\printeron Windows.
Questions
Where do .prn files come from?
Usually from ticking “Print to file” in a Windows print dialog, or from printer queues and older business systems that save print jobs to disk. The file holds exactly what would have been sent to the printer.
Can I rename a .prn file to .pdf?
Only if it's already a PDF inside, which this tool detects for you. Otherwise renaming doesn't work, because the contents are in a printer language like PCL or PostScript.
How do I make a PRN file that can be converted?
When printing to file, choose a printer that uses a PCL 6 or PostScript driver (many HP, Xerox, Ricoh and Konica Minolta office printers do). Or skip the PRN step and print to “Microsoft Print to PDF”.