Computer applications distinguish file types by appending a suffix to each document or file. These suffixes are a simple three-letter series following each file name and a period, such as .xls for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets or .pdf for Adobe PDF files. Computers read these extensions to determine what a file is and what program can be used to read its content. If your computer has any difficulty identifying a format, however, it helps to know what file extensions mean, even in the case of specialized varieties, such as PRT files, identified by the .prt extension.
Design PRT Applications
- PRT files are a common format in computer-aided design (CAD), used by designers and engineers to prepare 3-D images of manufactured parts and design processes. The files are generated by Pro/Engineer, Cadkey, Unigraphics and Solid Edge software packages. Depending on the software package used, PRT files are either "part files," meaning they contain information on a 3-D model, or "parallel ray trace" files, when used with Cadkey to create 3-D wire frames. CAD files tend to be very heavy, containing large amounts of information and commands necessary for a computer to generate a 3-D model.
Other PRT Applications
- The same file extensions are often used by different applications for very different kinds of files. You may have noticed, for example, that your computer offers to open a certain file through a number of programs with very diverse functions, simply because they all recognize the extension. PRTs are no exception. In addition to identifying design applications, the extension is used to identify a presentations template file for Corel WordPerfect slideshows and even a printer driver file that allows your computer to communicate with your printer.
How to Open a PRT
- On a Macintosh operating system, you can open PRT files with Adobe Acrobat X Pro. On a Windows machine, you can open PRT files with Acrobat X Pro, in addition to Corel WordPerfect, Parametric Technology Creo, Okino Computer Graphics PolyTrans and Autodesk Inventor Fusion. Linux machines can also open the files with a Linux version of Parametric Technology Creo. Your computer may be able to identify other applications that manage the format when asked to open a PRT file, including many CAD applications. Of course, the best choice is always a program that manages the type of file you are using, such as CAD programs for wire frames or WordPerfect for a slideshow.
Word of Warning
- Computer hackers often choose little-known file formats to send malicious applications, such as viruses, trojans and worms. The W32/Parrot-A worm, for instance, was sent with a PRT file extension. As with any file you download from the Internet, ensure that you know both the sender and the file originator well before running the file on your machine. Be particularly wary of unknown and rarely used file extensions. Whenever in doubt, run the file through an antivirus application.
