PAR File - opening and understanding

Did your computer fail to open a PAR file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .PAR files.

What is a PAR file?

Files with the .par file extension are most commonly associated with Parchive volume files. These files 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.

The .par file extension is also used for Digitalk PARTS parts application files, Fractint parameter files, POV-Ray parameter files, Windows 3.x swap files, SolidEdge document files, Model parameter files and Script particles file.

How to open PAR files

You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with file extension PAR for different purposes.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different PAR openers which you will find listed below.

Suggest another file format using extension PAR

While we know of one file format using the .PAR file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .PAR file.

Various viewers for this file format

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.

• Windows 10
• Mac 0
• Web 0

	WinRAR	User submitted
	Solid Edge	User submitted
	QuickPar	User submitted
	Windows Grep	User submitted
	QuickSFV	User submitted

	Edgecam	User submitted
	sakura editor	User submitted
	PowerSpec	User submitted
	NCDrive	User submitted
	ISED5 Application	User submitted

We have not verified any software that we know for certain will work with PAR-files on Mac. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below and tell us about it!

We have not verified any web services that we know for certain will work with PAR-files. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below and tell us about it!