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How to open PGN files on your device

If an error occurs when you try to open PGN file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate PGN files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.

  1. 1. PGN File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) PGN file?
  3. 3. How to open PGN file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports PGN files
      1. 3.1.1 Programs that can open PGN files
    2. 3.2 Associate given software with PGN files
    3. 3.3 Check whether no other errors related to PGN files occur
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

PGN File Extension

File
  • File type Portable Game Notation Format
  • File developer N/A
  • File category Game Files
  • File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PGN file?

Portable Game Notation (PGN) is the standard file format for storing chess games. It is a concise text-based format that captures the chess moves of two players in a game, such as white and black. PGN files are commonly used by chess databases and can be read by a variety of chess programs.

PGN files usually have the extension ".pgn" and can include additional details such as annotations and variations from main moves, game results, date, event name, player names, and other information. These detailed features usually contain additional lines of text that should be ignored by readers not supporting them.

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How to open PGN file?

There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .PGN files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.

Step 1. Install a program that supports PGN files

In order to open PGN file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with PGN extension.

Programs that can open PGN files

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS
Linux programs
Linux

Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, PGN files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.

Remember!

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Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on PGN files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to PGN files.

Step 2. Associate given software with PGN files

A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting PGN files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with PGN files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open PGN files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open PGN files.

When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the PGN file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:

  1. File with PGN extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
  2. File data is corrupted
  3. Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the PGN file is stored
  4. File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the PGN file was saved and then deleted
  5. User account is not privileged to perform operations on PGN files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

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