IDP Generating a PRN File

How to Generate and Review a PRN File

A PRN file is a captured print job containing the exact data sent from an application, through the printer driver, and toward the printer. Reviewing a PRN file allows IDP Americas Support to verify the print stream and determine whether an issue originates within the application, driver, print data, or printer hardware.

Why generate a PRN file?
PRN files are one of the most effective troubleshooting tools available. They provide an exact snapshot of the print job being sent to the printer and help isolate issues without changing hardware or printer settings.

Before You Begin

• These steps apply to Windows environments using an IDP printer driver.
• The printer port will temporarily be changed to FILE: Print to File.
• After the PRN file is generated, the original printer port must be restored.
• The original port may be USB, TCP/IP, or another configured printer port depending on the installation.

Important:
Leaving the printer configured to FILE: will prevent normal printing. Restore the original port after the PRN file is saved.

Step 1: Open Printer Properties

1. Open the Windows search bar.
2. Search for Control Panel.
3. Open Control Panel.
4. Select Devices and Printers.
5. Locate the IDP printer being used.
6. Open Printer Properties.

On some Windows versions, you may need to select Manage first, then choose Printer Properties.

Step 2: Change the Printer Port to FILE:

1. In Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
2. Select FILE: Print to File.
3. Click Apply.
4. Click OK to close the window.

The printer is now configured to save the next print job as a PRN file instead of sending it directly to the printer.

Step 3: Print from the Badge or Card Software

1. Return to the software used to print the badge or card.
2. Print the card as normal.
3. When prompted, choose a save location.
4. Name the file and include .prn at the end of the file name.

Example file name:

Badge_Test_Print.prn

Step 4: Restore the Original Printer Port

After the PRN file is saved, return to Printer Properties > Ports and select the original printer port.

This may be a USB port, TCP/IP port, or another configured printer port depending on the installation.

Reminder:
Normal printing will not resume until the original printer port is restored.

Step 5: Open the PRN Utility

1. Search Windows for viewprn.exe.
2. Open the PRN utility.
3. Select Open PRN.
4. Browse to the saved PRN file.
5. Open the file.

Once opened, the utility will display the print data contained in the PRN file. This may include image data, panel information, print commands, YMCK data, and encoding-related data when applicable.

What Support Reviews Within a PRN File

• Print stream data
• Panel information
• Image and layout data
• Driver-generated print commands
• Encoding data, when applicable
• Whether the issue exists before the printer physically prints the card

Why Support May Request a PRN File

A PRN file allows IDP Americas Support to review the exact data being sent to the printer. This helps isolate whether the issue is related to:

• Badge design software
• Template layout
• Driver settings
• Print stream data
• Printer hardware behavior

Capturing the print stream is often faster and more accurate than changing settings or replacing components before the data path is verified.