PPD File

What are PPD files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PPD 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 PPD files.

What is a PPD file?

PPD files have multiple uses, and PostScript Printer Description is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

PostScript Printer Description

PPD is an acronym for PostScript Printer Description and these files contain information that pertains to the font, paper size, resolution, DPI, and other features of the associated PostScript printer. Many printer drivers will use PPD files to determine the capabilities of that particular printer.

The PostScript language was created by Adobe in 1985. Today it is the industry standard for this particular file type and the majority of printers that are currently manufactured are known to support the PPD file format.

How to open PPD files

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

Last updated: August 10, 2026

All known file formats using extension .PPD

While PostScript Printer Description is a popular type of PPD-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .PPD file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

ProfiCAD Symbols

A ProfiCAD Symbols file (.PPD) is a symbol definition used by the ProfiCAD program, which is software for drawing electrical and electronic diagrams. It holds one reusable graphic symbol - such as a switch, motor, or connector - used in schematic drawings. Users create or edit PPD files in ProfiCAD's Symbol Editor, then insert the symbols into their circuit diagrams to build up complex schematics piece by piece.

These PPD symbol files are part of ProfiCAD's symbol library, typically stored in folders under a root library directory (set in the program's Paths or Options settings). Each PPD represents a single symbol component, separate from integrated circuit symbols (which use the .PICD extension) and built-in symbols. To use a symbol, a user selects it from the library and inserts it into a drawing; editing a symbol inside a PPD file does not automatically update symbols already placed in existing drawings - they must be re-inserted for updates to take effect.

Internally, a PPD file begins with an XML‐like header such as <document type="ProfiCAD ppd" version="…"> identifying the file type and version. It includes graphics primitives, connection points, layers, and metadata required by ProfiCAD to render and place the symbol correctly.

PPD opener for Windows

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

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of PPD files. Remember, different programs may use PPD 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 PPD file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.