Tips to open PRE file

Can't open the PRE file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PRE files as well as a list of programs that support PRE files.

PRE file extension

File Name Lotus Freelance Graphics Format
File Developer IBM
File Category Data Files

The PRE file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PRE files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PRE file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is PRE file?

The file with the extension PRE is the Data Files file type. It was designed by IBM. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. Lotus Freelance Graphics Format appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The main program that supports this format is PowerPoint. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 4 other programs. WordPerfect Office, Lotus SmartSuite, Corel Presentations will apply when it is not possible to use PowerPoint.

How to open PRE file?

An often recurring problem with Lotus Freelance Graphics Format is that PRE is not associated with the correct program file. This causes the file PRE to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PRE file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install PowerPoint

In this case, you should first verify that the PowerPoint application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name PowerPoint into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file PRE with PowerPoint. Below you will find a list of applications that support PRE files.

Step 2. Create association of PowerPoint with PRE files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the PRE file to open in the PowerPoint application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the PRE file with the PowerPoint application.

Step 3. Update PowerPoint to the latest version

If, however, after binding PowerPoint with Lotus Freelance Graphics Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PRE file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to PRE files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file PRE or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected PRE file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the PRE files changes over time. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular PRE file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use IBM help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file PRE except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the PRE file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file PRE to close. However, some background programs may block the PRE file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.