Opening a PLN File

The PLN file type is primarily associated with ArchiCAD.

PLNFile Extension PLN
File extension: PLN
File type:  3D model

What is a PLN file

PLN files mostly belong to ArchiCAD by Graphisoft. A PLN file is a 2D architectural drawing created with Home Plan building design software. Another type of PLN file is a 3D architectural design model created with ArchiCAD architectural design and building information modeling program. A PLN file created with ArchiCAD version 17 and higher begins with ROF FDB file header while older versions begin with MM or WW header. PLN is also the filename extension of an XML-encoded airplane description used by Flight Simulator amateur flight simulation program. A plugin used to extend the capabilities of InDesign desktop publishing software is saved in a PLN file.

How do you open PLN files?

You need a suitable software like ArchiCAD to open a PLN 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 PLN file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PLN file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online PLN Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert PLN files:

  1. ArchiCAD by Graphisoft
    See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. PLN files are often referred to as ArchiCAD cads because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
  2. CTP (scene definition) by Crater
    CTP is a computer-aided design program for creating feature-length cartoon animations. This program is compatible with Windows 7 to 10. CTP saves an animation scene definition in a PLN. A scene definition comprises exposure sheets, storage sheets, and tags stored as ASCII text. This file format is classified as 3D Image.
  3. Flight Simulator (flight plan) by Microsoft
    Flight Simulator is a cross-platform amateur flight simulation program. A flight plan created with Flight Simulator is stored in a PLN file using Extensible Markup Language. This file format is classified as Data.
  4. Home Plan Pro (architecture design) by Home Plan
    Home Plan Pro is a 2D technical drawing program for creating architectural drawings. An architectural design created with Home Plan Pro is saved in a PLN file. This file format is classified as CAD.
  5. InDesign (third-party plugin) by Adobe
    InDesign is a desktop publishing software distributed as part of Creative Cloud software suite. It uses plugins saved in a PLN file. This file format is classified as Plugin.
  6. Pertmaster (plan) by Pertmaster
    Pertmaster is a Monte Carlo based cost and schedule analytics lifecycle risk management software. It saves a plan in a PLN file. This file format is classified as Data.
  7. Psion Organiser (organiser spreadsheet) by Psion
    Psion Organiser is the brand name of a family of discontinued palmtop computers manufactured by Psion. These computers saved spreadsheets in a PLN file. This file format is classified as Spreadsheet.
  8. RealFlight (airplane description) by Knife Edge
    RealFlight is an RC flight simulation software for beginner and professional pilots. An airplane description used by RealFlight is saved a PLN file. This file format is classified as Data.
  9. WordPerfect (spreadsheet) by Corel
    WordPerfect is an office productivity software suite for word/spreadsheet processing, presentation, and database management. PlanPerfect, a discontinued iteration of WordPerfect saves a spreadsheet in a PLN file. This file format is classified as Spreadsheet.

PLN file format:

If you know the file format, you can also find out how to open or edit the file. 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. If the file extension does not match the file format, double-clicking on the file will cause an error upon opening. Knowledge is power - this also applies when dealing with unknown or faulty files. In the following you will find our evaluation of the PLN files:

The PLN file extension is very common and is used by a few programs, each with its own file format. However, the following two file formats are common:

The remaining 25% of all PLN files are different files with different signatures, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator Flight Plan, PlanPerfect spreadsheet, ZIP, XML, TIFF, GZIP and EXE. They are often associated with intl, stage, silk, indicator, building, progetto, master, office, marks, south, base or edit. If you want to find out which format your PLN file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your .pln file to analyze".

Technical Data for PLN File Extension

File classification:
CAD
Related files:

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: Dodge.Plan.File
EXEFile: C:\DodgePlans\DodgeVw.exe %1

ProgramID: PLN000_File_assoc
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MasterCook\Program\Mastercook.exe %1

ProgramID: PLN000_File_assoc
EXEFile: C:\SIERRA\MasterCook 6\Program\Mastercook.exe %1

ProgramID: PLN000_File_assoc
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MasterCook 7\Program\Mastercook.exe %1

ProgramID: Home Plan Pro
EXEFile: F:\Home Plan Pro\Hpp.exe

ProgramID: Spaceman.Planogram
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ACNielsen\Application Builder\SPROAB.exe

ProgramID: Home Plan Pro
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Home Plan Software\Home Plan Pro\Hpp.exe

ProgramID: TabletPlannerProgID
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\FranklinCovey\TabletPlanner\TabletPlanner.exe

ProgramID: ArchiCAD.plnFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ArchiCAD 6.5\ArchiCAD.exe


a pln 3D model is a special file format by Graphisoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with PLN files

  • Associate the PLN file extension with the correct application.
  • Update your software that should actually open 3d models. Because only the current version supports the latest PLN file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Graphisoft manufacturer website after an available ArchiCAD update.
  • To make sure that your PLN file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
  • Click here to open your .PLN file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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