All about PHO Files

The PHO file type is primarily associated with PADS Layout.

PHO	File extension: PHO
	File type:	data file

What is a PHO file

PHO files mostly belong to PADS Layout. PHO files are used in various technical fields. They often serve as Gerber PCB design files that hold the information needed to manufacture printed circuit boards.

Gerber PCB Design: These files store layout data such as copper tracks, silkscreen layers, and drill instructions. Software like PADS Layout, CAM350, Eagle and Gerbv will interpret these details.

Photometric Data: In some cases, PHO files contain measurement data from photometers or spectrophotometers. Such files are used with instruments like the T60 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer and are sometimes called PhotoLab or PerkinElmer Spectrum files. Learn more.

Oscilloscope and Setup Data: Certain PHO files save oscilloscope configurations or waveform data, as seen in setups from PicoScope and Rigol. Picotech provides related details.

Other Formats: There are less common uses such as phone book file formats and drill files. For instance, a Ventura Publisher Font related file uses the PHO extension, and some drill files are linked with Eagle and CadSoft solutions. More info.

FilExt.com tip: Knowing the file's source is key. Use the appropriate viewer or conversion tool based on whether the file is for PCB manufacturing, instrument measurement, or other specialized functions.

How can I open a PHO file?

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

Online PHO Text Viewer

Choose your .pho file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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PHO file format:

The file format determines how the data is stored in the file. The file format can be deduced from the file extension and the signature. However, different programs can use the same file extension, and file extensions can be assigned incorrectly. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Below is our analysis of the PHO files:

The PHO file extension is very common and includes different formats for different programs. The following file formats are most commonly found in PHO files:

• 60% of all PHO files belong to Gerber Photoplot. The contents of these files can even be read by a human. The files are 9 KB to 550 KB in size, with a median of 100 KB. The file type is old but is used even today. The following keywords are characteristic: G04 PC Version=2.1*, file, generated, %FSLAX35Y35*%, %MOIN*%, Gerber (RS-274-X), Build Number, G04 PC Standard Apertures, G04 PADS 9 and G04 PADS VX. The following filename is common: art001.pho. These files can be linked to bottom, drawing, drill, silkscreen, silk, copper, layer, metal, paste and reva.
• 9% of all PHO files use the same file format, which have the signature D1. The content consists of readable text data, which can be read using a text editor. A typical file size is 80 KB. Examples of file names are art01.pho or SST0126.PHO.

The remaining 31% of all PHO files are different files with different signatures, often, for example, DOC, measure and MOIN. Tagged as setup, scope, assembly, gerber, assy or mask. You can get all the details of your PHO file by dragging it onto this page or by clicking the button "Choose your .pho file to analyze" above.