Opening a LAY File

The LAY file type is primarily associated with Sprint-Layout.

LAY	File extension: LAY
	File type:	printed circuit board layout file

What is a LAY file?

LAY files mostly belong to Sprint-Layout. The LAY file extension is primarily associated with McNeel Rhino, a 3D modelling tool that is used for translating NURBS curves, surfaces and solids. The LAY file extension is used for Layer state file of Rhino. Layers are the primary organization tool in Rhino. Each layer helps in classifying and grouping objects.

Main Usage: The Layer state file is a CSV document with details of different parameters and variables associated with each layer. So, the basic usage of LAY files is to store layer state settings.
Associations:
- Apple DVD Studio Pro, a video DVD disk authoring tool, also uses LAY file extension. These LAY files are used to store layout of optical disks.
- PTC Pro/Engineer, a 3D CAD/CAM solution program, also uses LAY file extension to store the layout of the project created in the program.
- Tecplot, a scientific computation and visualization program, also uses LAY file extension. These LAY files are diagram layout files.

How can I open a LAY file?

You need a suitable software like Sprint-Layout to open a LAY file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your LAY file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a LAY file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online LAY File Viewer

Choose your .lay file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from LAY files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

You can extract texts from LAY file or capture a preview screenshot using our online LAY file viewer:

To do this, click the button "Choose your .lay file to view" on this page.
Your LAY file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert LAY files:

Sprint-Layout
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. LAY files are often referred to as Sprint-Layout cads because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Applause
ArchiCAD (CAD layout file) by Graphisoft
ArchiCAD by Graphisoft is a program used to design and analyze large-scale 3D models. The program stores generic layout information in a LAY file. This file format is classified as CAD.
DVD Studio Pro (metadata file) by Apple
DVD Studio Pro is a program provided by Apple for creating DVD disks. The program stores metadata related to the disk using the LAY file format. This file format is classified as Data.
Lightscape Layer State
MAME (program layout file) by MAME Development Team
MAME is an emulator program for playing emulated arcade games. The program uses LAY files to store layouts used by the program to place graphics on the screen. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: MAME
Mastercook (layout file) by Sierra
Mastercook was a program used to store and manage cooking recipes. The program used LAY files to store graphics layouts for a recipe. This file format is classified as Page Layout. Related links: MasterCook History
MiTek Engineering File
Pro/ENGINEER (3D graphics layout file) by PTC
Pro/ENGINEER is a 3D product design program, featuring productivity tools that promote best practices in design while ensuring compliance with your industry and company standards. The program uses LAY files to store layouts for 3D graphics. This file format is classified as CAD.
Rhino 3D (layer properties file) by Robert McNeel & Associates
Rhino3D is a NURBS-based modeler for Windows. The program is used to create and edit 3D models. Rhino3D uses LAY files to store objects and properties related to a layer within a project. This file format is classified as Data.
Tecplot 360 (page layout and properties file) by Tecplot
Tecplot 360 is a family of software solutions that provide CFD simulation analytics and visualization, including post-processing and reservoir simulation visualization tools. Layouts created in Tecplot environments are saved as LAY files. This file format is classified as CAD.
Track Builder Simulation (source code file) by Signal Computer Consultants
Track Builder compiles Railroad Centralized Traffic Control Simulations for use with the Train Dispatcher Program. This is one of two application-specific extensions which are associated with Track Builder. This one contains all of the compiler code used to create a Simulation which is run by the Train Dispatcher application. This file format is classified as Simple text file.

LAY file format:

To view or edit LAY files you need to know the file format, because it determines how the data in this file is stored. Each file format has a unique extension and almost always a unique signature. For example, Microsoft Word documents have the extension .docx and the signature (usually the first 3 characters in this file) PK. Frequently, however, one file extension is used by different programs for different file formats, and one file format for different file extensions. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Our examination of the LAY files comes to the following conclusion:

The LAY extension is very commonly used. This LAY file itself is among the most popular common file types and is used by a few programs, each with its own file format. The file formats most commonly found in LAY files are:

50% of all LAY files are associated with Sprint Layout Printed Circuit Design. They consist of unreadable binary data. A typical file size is 85 KB. The file type is old but is used even today. Files like these are sometimes connected to board, terminator, layout, sprint, clone, power, crystalusb, telefon, line and mini.
7% of all LAY files start with the magic bytes %%%%%%%, which are always the first bytes of this file format. These files contain text and words, not binary data. The files are on average 230 bytes in size and range from 56 bytes to 1 KB. The keywords %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% are typical for these files. An example of a file name is tinyMaze.lay or bigMaze.lay. Such files sometimes refer to classic, small, corners and search.

All the rest of the LAY files (43%) have different formats, often e.g. Tecplot Layout, MAME Layout, DOC, ZIP, XML, .NET, Whole, Version and Xsteel. Tagged as capsule, medium, grid, plan, danilith, tricky, class or surf. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your LAY file!

Technical Data for LAY File Extension

File classification:

CAD

Related files:

lay6, layout, zip, rar, spl7, gbr, sef, txt, lyt, xml, pdf, bmp, exe, tmp, jpg, tag, adoc, br, docx, hd, lmk

Mime type:

application/octet-stream, text/plain

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: lay_file, FileType: Kyodai layout file, AppName: kmj

ProgramID: lay_file
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Kyodai\kyodai.exe %1

ProgramID: lay_file
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Kyodai Mahjongg\kmj.exe %1

ProgramID: Sequence Navigator File Type
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\APPLIE~1\PRIMER~1\PrimerExpress.exe %1

ProgramID: lay_file
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Kyodai Mahjongg 2006\kmj.exe %1

ProgramID: layFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\proeWildfire 2.0\bin\proe.exe %1

ProgramID: layFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ptc\proeWildfire 3.0\bin\proe.exe

ProgramID: LayoutFileType
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\eSignal\winsig.exe

ProgramID: PlotMaker.layFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Graphisoft\ArchiCAD 9-S\PlotMaker.exe

ProgramID: layFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ptc\proe\bin\proe.exe

ProgramID: lay_file
EXEFile: C:\Kyodai Mahjongg 2006\kmj.exe

ProgramID: SimViewLayout.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SIEMENS\PLCSim\S7WSI\S7WSVAPX.EXE

Show all 12 listings To Top

a lay printed circuit board layout file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with LAY files

Associate the LAY file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open printed circuit board layout files. Because only the current version supports the latest LAY file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available Sprint-Layout update.
To make sure that your LAY file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .LAY file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.