since 2000
Opening PAF Files
The PAF file type is primarily associated with RootsMagic.
What is a PAF file?
PAF files mostly belong to RootsMagic. PAF files come in two main forms.
One common type is the Personal Ancestral File used for genealogy. These files store family history data such as names, dates, relationships, and events. They are designed as a specialized data container to help users build and manage family trees. In this context, the file is part of a genealogy file format that many users associate with programs like RootsMagic. More details can be found on the FamilySearch website.
The other type is known as a packed Arc File. Here the PAF extension is used as a container that holds multiple documents, similar to an Acrobat Portfolio. This variant is often linked to applications like Foxit Reader and works by packaging several files into one archive.
Genealogy usage: Stores structured family history data for personal ancestral research. Archive usage: Acts as a container for grouped documents in portfolio applications.
One common type is the Personal Ancestral File used for genealogy. These files store family history data such as names, dates, relationships, and events. They are designed as a specialized data container to help users build and manage family trees. In this context, the file is part of a genealogy file format that many users associate with programs like RootsMagic. More details can be found on the FamilySearch website.
The other type is known as a packed Arc File. Here the PAF extension is used as a container that holds multiple documents, similar to an Acrobat Portfolio. This variant is often linked to applications like Foxit Reader and works by packaging several files into one archive.
How to open a PAF file
You need a suitable software like RootsMagic to open a PAF 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 PAF file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PAF file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.
Online PAF File Viewer
or drag and drop it here
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How to convert PAF files to JPG, PDF, HTML, DOC, ...
If you want to convert or edit a PAF file, you can use our free Online PAF File Converter (powered by Convert.Guru):- To do so, click the "Choose your .paf file to play" button above.
- Your PAF file will then be displayed in the browser.
- Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
- Then click the file format (e.g. PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
- Your file will be converted and downloaded.
Programs that open and convert PAF files:
- RootsMagic
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. PAF files are often referred to as RootsMagic data files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
- Ensoniq (PARIS Audio Format) by E-MU SystemsThe identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 20 70 61 66 00 00 00 00 01 00 00 00, ASCII: .paf. Related links: E-MU/ENSONIQ PARIS User Site
- Personal Ancestral File (Family Database) by Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsThis is a genealogical management system for home computers running Windows. The identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 35 30 30 00 35 30 30 00 50 41 46, ASCII: 500.500.PAF.
- PortableApps (Portable Application Install Package) by Rare Ideas, LLCPortableApps allows people to carry software with them on portable devices and use any PC like their own. PortableApps provides an open platform that works with any hardware you like (USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive, etc). This file format is classified as Archive.
PAF file format:
If you can determine the file format, the associated program can also be determined. The first characters in a file identify the file format, for example, HTML files start with the bytes <html>. If the file extension does not match the file format, double-clicking on the file will cause an error upon opening. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Our analysis of the PAF files produces the following result:
The PAF file extension is rarely used and is used by different programs with different formats. However, the following two file formats are common:
- 50% of all PAF files belong to Personal Ancestral File. These are binary files, so they do not contain words or text. The files are often between 110 KB and 700 KB in size. This file type was primarily in use more than 10 years ago. Files like these are about family, and have person-related content.
- 20% of all PAF files have the same signature 11 30 31 17 11 30 31 17 01. If you open these files in a text editor, you will see only illegible characters. Most of these files are 530 bytes to 270 KB in size. Files like these are about trial and free.
The remaining 30% of all PAF files are different files with different signatures. Just click the "Choose your .paf file to play" button on this page to find out what your PAF file is.
Technical Data for PAF File Extension
File classification:
Data
Identifier:
Hex: 35 30 30 00 35 30 30 00 50 41 46, ASCII: 500.500.PAF (provided by TrID database)
Mime type:
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: PhotoAnimator.Document, FileType: PhotoAnimator Document File, AppName: PhotoAnimator Animation Utility
EXEFile: PhotoAnimator.EXE
EXEFile: PhotoAnimator.EXE
ProgramID: Finder.Document
EXEFile: G:\Amiga\Disco5\IA\PathLib\Finder.exe %1
EXEFile: G:\Amiga\Disco5\IA\PathLib\Finder.exe %1
ProgramID: PersonalAncestralFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\FamilySearch\Paf5\paf5.exe %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\FamilySearch\Paf5\paf5.exe %1
ProgramID: PersonalAncestralFile
EXEFile: C:\F\o-Programs\D I V E R S E S\GENEALOGY\SOFTWARE\Personal Ancestral File ('PAF')\INST\paf5.exe %1
EXEFile: C:\F\o-Programs\D I V E R S E S\GENEALOGY\SOFTWARE\Personal Ancestral File ('PAF')\INST\paf5.exe %1
ProgramID: Winamp.File
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Winamp\Winamp.exe %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Winamp\Winamp.exe %1
a paf data file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.
How to solve problems with PAF files
- Associate the PAF file extension with the correct application.
- Update your software that should actually open data files. Because only the current version supports the latest PAF file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available RootsMagic update.
- To make sure that your PAF file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
- Click here to open your .PAF file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.