NET File

What are NET files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a NET file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your NET files.

What is a NET file?

NET files have multiple uses, and SNNS Network Definition is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

SNNS Network Definition

Neural networks are incredibly complex, and understanding them requires a deep dive into their structure and behavior. But before you can even begin to understand what is going on inside the network, you must have a way of representing its definition.

SNNS .NET files provide just that: an extensive set of data points that define how the neural network functions and how it behaves in response to different stimuli or activities. The format contains everything from basic neuron count and connection weights, to multi-dimensional cross-strengths and transfer functions required for simulations of complex behaviors.

Moreover, these files are not only used for recording; they can be used as templates to create new networks quickly and easily using convenient drag-and-drop or graphical editing tools provided in the SNNS software package. This allows you to quickly experiment with different structures without having to write code or enter complex equations by hand every time you want to make adjustments.

How to open NET files

Important: Different programs may use files with the NET file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your NET file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different NET openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 10, 2026

All known file formats using extension .NET

While SNNS Network Definition is a popular type of NET-file, we know of 7 different uses of the .NET file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Epanet Data File

This file is a project file used by the EPANET software, which models hydraulic and water quality behavior in pressurized pipe networks. It preserves all network elements - junctions, pipes, pumps, tanks, reservoirs - and their physical and operational attributes such as demands, control rules, water age or quality, and simulation time-periods.

Created by EPANET when you use File → Save or Save As, this format stores not only the network's core data, but also display settings, formatting and layout preferences. Examples include map legend colors and ranges, map display options (node/link color, labels, line thickness), calibration or observed data file names, and print settings. The project file is always saved in binary form.

The .NET file begins with a signature starting at offset 0: the ASCII string "EPANET2>" (bytes 0x06093C4550414E4554323E). Inside the file you can find keywords like CONTINUE, CONCEN, EPANET, FIRST, MIXED, NONE, OPEN used in various sections (for example in defining mixing modes, quality options, or control settings) which help identify it as an EPANET project file.

NET opener for Windows

We have identified one NET opener that is compatible with this specific type of NET file.

FreePCB Netlist File

A FreePCB Netlist File is a plain-text file produced for importing schematic connectivity into FreePCB, a PCB-layout application. It lists all parts used in a circuit ("partlist") and how their pins are electrically connected into nets - groups of pins that must be linked by copper traces on the board. Users generate it when they've built or sketched a schematic with parts and connections, and then want to lay out the board in FreePCB.

This netlist format is written by either schematic editors that support the PADS-PCB import/netlist standard or manually with a text editor. FreePCB reads this file during board design setup; after import, users may correct footprint/package names if library definitions differ. Part identifiers are listed with their reference designator and package type. Then each net is named and followed by all pin identifiers in that net.

Files in this format begin with the ASCII signature PADS-PCB including strings such as PARTS, NETS, SIGNAL and end with END. For each net the net name appears after SIGNAL, followed by pin list entries like "U1.7 C1.2", where "U1.7" denotes pin 7 of part U1.

Programs that open these NET files

We have identified one NET opener that is compatible with this specific type of NET file.

Impulse Tracker Network Driver

We know that one NET format is Impulse Tracker Network Driver. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

KiCad Netlist File

The KiCad Netlist File (.NET) is a text file generated by KiCad's schematic editor (Eeschema) to describe all electrical connections in a schematic. It is used internally or for export to PCB layout or simulators, listing every component, its pins, and which nets (wires) connect them. The file helps downstream tools understand which signal or power connections go between each component part.

KiCad produces .NET files when you export a netlist from Eeschema. Once exported, tools like the PCB editor (Pcbnew) may read the file to map parts and connections. In modern KiCad versions the normal workflow doesn't require manually exporting .NET files to transfer connections between schematic and board, since "Update PCB from Schematic" automates that. .NET is also used to allow external programs or simulations to access the connection details of the schematic.

Internally, in newer versions (.NET format "KiCad" type) the syntax uses Lisp-like S-expression style. It contains a top-level (export …) block including sub-blocks like components and nets. In the components section each component is defined with its reference, value, footprint, library source, sheet path, and timestamp. The nets section lists each net by code and name, then lists nodes showing which component pins are connected. Legacy mode uses a different, older format derived from Orcad, with simpler component listings, net association lines, and footprint-filter blocks.

Programs that open these NET files

We have identified one NET opener that is compatible with this specific type of NET file.

NetCracker Resource Inventory

We know that one NET format is NetCracker Resource Inventory. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Netlab Project

We know that one NET format is Netlab Project. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of NET files. Remember, different programs may use NET files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about NET file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.