.PFD File Extension

Micrografx Optima! File

Developer	iGrafx
Popularity	Average rating 3.6 / 5. Vote count: 19
Category	Vector Image Files
Format	.PFD
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an PFD file?

The .PFD file extension is associated with Micrografx Optima!, a flowchart and diagramming software application developed by Micrografx. These files typically store vector graphics and diagram data created within the Optima! software, allowing users to design, visualize, and present complex information in a structured format.

More Information.

Micrografx introduced Optima! as part of its suite of graphics and diagramming tools. The primary purpose of the .PFD file format was to facilitate the creation, editing, and storage of flowcharts, diagrams, and other graphical representations of information. This was particularly useful for business professionals, educators, and engineers who needed to visually organize and present data.

Origin Of This File.

The .PFD file format was developed by Micrografx, a software company founded in the mid-1980s. Micrografx specialized in graphics software and was known for its pioneering products in desktop publishing and graphic design. The .PFD file extension is associated with Micrografx Optima!

File Structure Technical Specification.

The .PFD file format is a proprietary vector graphic file format. It stores information about shapes, lines, text, and other diagram elements in a structured manner. As a vector-based format, it allows for scalable graphics without loss of quality.

The technical specifics of the .PFD format are proprietary, but it generally includes:

Metadata about the file (e.g., creation date, author)
Definitions of shapes and their properties (e.g., size, position, color)
Connections between shapes (e.g., lines, arrows)
Text annotations and labels

How to Convert the File?

Windows

Using Micrografx Optima!:
- Open the .PFD file in Micrografx Optima!.
- Go to File > Save As or Export.
- Choose a more widely supported format such as .SVG, .PDF, or .EMF.
- Save the file.
Using CorelDRAW (if supported):
- Open the .PFD file in CorelDRAW.
- Go to File > Export.
- Choose the desired format and export the file.
Using Online Conversion Tools:
- Upload the .PFD file to a file conversion website like Zamzar or FileZigZag.
- Select the desired output format (e.g., .PDF, .SVG).
- Download the converted file.

Linux

Using Wine:
- Install Wine on your Linux system.
- Install Micrografx Optima! using Wine.
- Open the .PFD file in Micrografx Optima! and export it to a different format.
Using Virtual Machines:
- Set up a Windows virtual machine using software like VirtualBox or VMware.
- Install Micrografx Optima! on the virtual machine.
- Open and convert the .PFD file within the virtual machine.
File Conversion Websites:
- Use web browsers to access online file conversion services (e.g., Zamzar or FileZigZag).
- Follow the same steps as in Windows for online conversion.

Mac

Using Virtual Machines:
- Install a Windows virtual machine using Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or VirtualBox.
- Install Micrografx Optima! on the virtual machine.
- Open and convert the .PFD file within the virtual machine.
Using Wine:
- Install Wine on your Mac.
- Install Micrografx Optima! using Wine.
- Open the .PFD file in Micrografx Optima! and export it to a different format.
Using Online Conversion Tools:
- Use web browsers to access online file conversion services.
- Follow the same steps as in Windows for online conversion.

Android

Remote Desktop Applications:
- Use a remote desktop app like TeamViewer or Microsoft Remote Desktop to access a Windows PC with Micrografx Optima! installed.
- Open the .PFD file on the remote PC and convert it there.
Using Online Conversion Tools:
- Upload the .PFD file to an online conversion website via your Android browser.
- Convert and download the file in a supported format.

iOS

Remote Desktop Applications:
- Use a remote desktop app like TeamViewer or Microsoft Remote Desktop to access a Windows PC with Micrografx Optima! installed.
- Open the .PFD file on the remote PC and convert it there.
Using Online Conversion Tools:
- Upload the .PFD file to an online conversion website via your iOS browser.
- Convert and download the file in a supported format.

Others

Using Online Conversion Tools:
- Most platforms with web browser support can use online conversion tools.
- Access websites like Zamzar or FileZigZag, upload the .PFD file, and convert it to a desired format.
Cross-Platform Applications:
- If you have access to any cross-platform applications that support .PFD files (rare), you can use those to open and convert the file.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Scalability: Being a vector format, .PFD files can be resized without losing quality.
Structured Data: Ideal for organizing complex information in a visual format.
Compatibility: Native support in Micrografx Optima! software.

Disadvantages:

Proprietary Format: Limited support outside of Micrografx Optima! software.
Obsolescence: As the software is older, finding compatible tools and support may be challenging.

How to Open PFD?
Open In Windows
Micrografx Optima!: The primary application for opening .PFD files.
CorelDRAW: Corel acquired Micrografx, so some versions of CorelDRAW might support .PFD files.
File Conversion Tools: Use tools like Zamzar or FileZigZag to convert .PFD files to more widely supported formats.

Open In Linux
Wine: Run Micrografx Optima! through the Wine compatibility layer.
File Conversion: Convert .PFD files to formats like .SVG or .PDF on a Windows system first, then use native Linux applications to open them.

Open In MAC
Virtual Machines: Run a Windows virtual machine with software like VMware or Parallels to use Micrografx Optima!.
File Conversion: Convert the file on a Windows system and then transfer to a Mac-compatible format.

Open In Android
Remote Desktop Apps: Use a remote desktop application to access a Windows PC running Micrografx Optima!.
File Conversion: Convert the .PFD file to a more common format like .PDF, which can be easily viewed on Android devices.

Open In IOS
Remote Desktop Apps: Similar to Android, use remote desktop apps to access a Windows PC with the appropriate software.
File Conversion: Convert to a common format such as .PDF for viewing on iOS devices.

Open in Others
Web-Based Solutions: Use online conversion tools to change .PFD files to more accessible formats.
Cross-Platform Applications: Use universal file viewers that support a wide range of formats if they have .PFD compatibility.