.TNL File Extension

Super Mario Maker Course Thumbnail

Developer	Nintendo
Popularity	Average rating 3 / 5. Vote count: 1
Category	Text Files
Format	.TNL
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an TNL file?

The .TNL file extension is notably associated with Super Mario Maker, a popular game that allows players to create, share, and play levels from the Super Mario series. These files specifically contain thumbnails of the courses created within the game.

They play a crucial role in providing a quick visual reference for players browsing through various levels, enhancing the user experience by allowing players to glimpse the level’s design before diving in.

More Information.

The history of the .TNL file is intertwined with the evolution of Super Mario Maker. The game itself marked a significant departure from traditional Super Mario games by empowering players to become creators.

The initial purpose of the .TNL file was to facilitate this new dynamic, enabling a community-driven approach to gaming where players could not only share their creations but also easily navigate and preview the vast array of user-generated content.

Origin Of This File.

The .TNL file extension emerged alongside the development of Super Mario Maker, which was initially released for the Wii U in September 2015.

The game’s innovative approach to level creation and sharing necessitated a method for visually representing user-generated levels, thus giving rise to the .TNL thumbnail files.

These files were designed to streamline the level selection process, making it easier for players to find courses that match their interests and skill levels.

File Structure Technical Specification.

A .TNL file contains a compressed image representing the course’s thumbnail. This image is typically a small, low-resolution PNG or JPEG file encapsulated within the .TNL format.

The technical specification of the .TNL file is designed to ensure that thumbnails load quickly and do not consume excessive storage space, thereby maintaining the game’s performance and user experience.

How to Convert the File?

Converting a .TNL file, which is primarily associated with Super Mario Maker for course thumbnails, into a more universally recognized format like PNG or JPEG requires a few steps.

The process involves using specialized software designed to read and convert proprietary file formats. Here’s a general approach:

Find Conversion Software: Look for software or an online service that supports .TNL files and can convert them to the desired format. These tools are often labeled as image converters or specifically as game asset converters.
Download and Install: If the tool is software-based, download and install it on your computer. Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Load the .TNL File: Open the conversion software and use its interface to load the .TNL file you wish to convert. This might involve clicking an “Open” or “Import” button.
Select Output Format: Choose the target format for the conversion, such as PNG or JPEG. This option is usually found in the software’s export or conversion settings.
Convert the File: Once the output format is selected, initiate the conversion process. This might be done by clicking a “Convert,” “Export,” or “Save as” button.
Save and Access the Converted File: After the conversion is complete, save the newly created image file to your preferred location. You can now access and view it with standard image viewers or editors on your device.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantage:

Quick Preview: Allows players to quickly preview levels before playing, saving time and enhancing the browsing experience.
Space Efficiency: .TNL files are compressed, ensuring that they occupy minimal storage space.
Enhanced Navigation: Simplifies the process of finding and selecting levels, making the game more accessible to a broader audience.

Disadvantage:

Limited Information: .TNL files offer a visual preview but do not provide detailed information about the level’s content or difficulty.
Conversion Requirements: Converting .TNL files for use outside the Super Mario Maker ecosystem require specific software, potentially limiting accessibility.

How to Open TNL?

Open In Windows

Use a dedicated file conversion tool that supports .TNL files to convert them to a standard image format.

Open In Linux

Similar to Windows, utilize conversion software available for Linux that can handle .TNL files.

Open In MAC

Mac users can also rely on conversion tools designed for macOS to open and convert .TNL files.

Open In Android

To open .TNL files on Android, users must convert them to a standard image format such as PNG or JPEG using conversion apps. Since Android does not directly support .TNL files, finding and managing the converted images may require a robust file manager app.

Open In IOS

On iOS, opening .TNL files involves converting them to a recognized format like PNG or JPEG through specific conversion apps. Due to iOS’s lack of direct .TNL support, this step is essential for viewing these files.