File Extension Database

Open PGN File

A PGN file extension can take on a text-based file format used to record the moves of a game of chess.

The most suitable software to open and work with a PGN file is ChessBase Fritz, which is a German chess program originally developed for Chessbase by Frans Morsch, and later ported to DOS, and then Windows by Mathias Feist.

The PGN also includes the event name, location, date, round, player names, and match result.

The header information of a PGN file is formatted using tags, and after the header, the player's moves are described using 'movetext', a syntax based on Standard Algebraic Notation (SAN).

Chess notation, or Standard Algebraic Notation, comprises the systems that have been developed to record the moves made in a game of chess or the position of the pieces on a chessboard.

Early notational systems used lengthy narratives to describe each move, however these gradually evolved into more concise notational systems.

Currently, algebraic chess notation is the accepted standard and is widely used, especially for PGN files.

In any case, apart from ChessBase Fritz, various chess programs and PGN viewers can be used to view PGN files.

Software to work with PGN files

ChessBase Fritz

How Can I Open PGN File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PGN file is to find a PGN file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PGN file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PGN file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PGN file opener then try to search online for "PGN viewer", "application to open PGN file" or "open PGN file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PGN file

How Can I Open PGN File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PGN file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PGN file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PGN file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PGN file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PGN file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PGN file then try to search for "PGN viewer", "application to open PGN file" or "read PGN file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PGN file

How Can I Open PGN File on Android

If you downloaded a PGN file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PGN file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PGN".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PGN viewer", "PGN file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PGN File on iPhone or iPad

To open PGN File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PGN file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PGN". This way you can find apps which can open PGN files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PGN viewer" or "PGN file" online in your favorite search engine.

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