PAR File

What are PAR files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PAR 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 PAR files.

What is a PAR file?

PAR files have multiple uses, and Aerofly Model Parameters is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Aerofly Model Parameters

We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

How to open PAR files

Important: Different programs may use files with the PAR file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your PAR 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 PAR openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 10, 2026

All known file formats using extension .PAR

While Aerofly Model Parameters is a popular type of PAR-file, we know of 9 different uses of the .PAR file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Anfatec SPM Parameters

We know that one PAR format is Anfatec SPM Parameters. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

GSMSEND Configuration

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

IPCAS Floppy Disk Emulator Configuration

We know that one PAR format is IPCAS Floppy Disk Emulator Configuration. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

PAR Compressed Archive

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

Parity Archive Volume Set

These files are Parchive volume files that are used to reconstruct missing volumes from multi-part file archives. If a volume from a split archive file becomes corrupt or accidentally lost or deleted, the .par file can reconstruct the archive. This file format is commonly used with USENET postings.

PAR opener for Windows

We have identified 3 PAR openers that are compatible with this specific type of PAR file.

Solid Edge Part Model

Solid Edge Part Model (.PAR) files are proprietary 3D design files created by Siemens' Solid Edge CAD software to represent a single mechanical component or part. They store a 3D solid model including its full geometrical shape, feature history (such as extrudes, cuts, fillets), sketches with dimensions and constraints, and optionally material or physical properties. These files are used when designing individual components that later may be assembled into larger products.

Solid Edge itself writes .PAR files via the Part environment whenever a user creates or saves a mechanical part design. These files differ from Solid Edge assembly (.ASM) files that combine multiple components, and from drawing (.DFT) files that provide 2D documentation of parts and assemblies. Users may share .PAR files, view them using Solid Edge's free viewer, or convert them into neutral exchange formats like STEP or IGES, though exporting loses editable history information.

Technically, .PAR files are a closed, binary format dependent on the version of Solid Edge used. Older releases employ an OLE/JET compound document container internally; newer versions use Siemens' own binary layout. The files embed both geometric data - often using the Parasolid kernel - along with parametric feature trees, sketches, constraints, and metadata including material properties. Despite variations over time, common identifiers include internal strings such as "Solid Edge ANSI" and "Part Dimensions Owner", among others.

Programs that open these PAR files

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

Word Writer 128 Print Parameters

Word Writer 128 was a word processing application published in 1986 for the Commodore 128 home computer. It stored print parameters in a PAR file.

World Construction Set Parameters

We know that one PAR format is World Construction Set Parameters. 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 PAR files. Remember, different programs may use PAR 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 PAR file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.