What is the LIS file format?
.lis is the default text output file produced when an SQR (Structured Query Reporting) program is executed. SQR is a scripting language that combines SQL database queries with formatted report-generation commands. It was developed by SQR Software Inc. in the late 1980s, acquired by Hyperion Solutions in 1999, and subsequently by Oracle in 2007. The current runtime is Oracle Hyperion SQR Production Reporting.
When an SQR program runs without special output flags, the runtime writes its formatted report to a .lis file by default. The file is plain ASCII text containing the paginated report data produced by PRINT, PRINT-COLUMN, and SHOW commands in the SQR source code. The output filename matches the SQR program name - for example, MYREPORT.sqr produces MYREPORT.lis. On some Windows and UNIX environments targeting PCL printers, the output may instead be formatted in Printer Control Language, requiring a PCL viewer.
For advanced distribution and interactive viewing, the -KEEP runtime flag produces an .SPF file (SQR Print File) instead of a .lis, readable in the Production Reporting Viewer. The .lis file itself has no binary structure and is directly viewable in any text editor.
Oracle has shifted emphasis to EPM Cloud; on-premise SQR Production Reporting 11.1.2.x is in sustaining support mode. SQR remains widely used in PeopleSoft environments.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWPlain text report file; no executable code. PCL variant is also safe. May contain sensitive business data (HR records, financial data) if from PeopleSoft/ERP.
Format details
in a nutshell- VAX/VMS Listing File - Digital Equipment Corporation VMS linker and compiler produce .lis listing files with assembly/symbol output; unrelated to SQR.
- Generic list/report text file - Various legacy mainframe and reporting systems use .lis as a generic listing/report extension.
Programs that open LIS files
Windows2 apps
Hyperion SQR Production Reporting
Paid Run SQR program to regenerate; use SQR Print Manager to view .lis output. 
Notepad
Open-source Open .lis file directly; Notepad++ handles large files and provides line-number navigation. 
Linux1 app
Technical details
deep spec| Encoding | Plain 7-bit ASCII text; PCL-formatted variant possible on some Windows/UNIX printer environments |
| Container | Unstructured plain text - formatted report listing output |
| Default output filename | Matches the SQR source program name with .lis extension (e.g., MYREPORT.lis for MYREPORT.sqr) |
| Produced by | SQR Production Reporting runtime (sqr command) - default output when no special flags are used |
| SQR output commands | Report content generated by PRINT, PRINT-COLUMN, and SHOW commands in the SQR source program |
| Alternative output | -KEEP runtime flag produces .spf (SQR Print File) for Production Reporting Viewer instead |
| Typical file size | 1 KB - 50 MB (depends on report data volume) |
| Compression | None - uncompressed text output |
| Encryption | None - plain text, no access protection |
| Runtime | Oracle Hyperion SQR Production Reporting 11.1.2.x (final on-premise release) |
| Platform | Windows, Linux, UNIX (HP-UX, AIX, Solaris) |
| PCL variant | Some environments produce PCL (Printer Control Language) output targeting PCL printers; requires a PCL viewer to display correctly |
| Released | SQR language originated at SQR Software in the late 1980s; Hyperion acquired 1999; Oracle acquired Hyperion 2007 |
| Latest version | Oracle Hyperion SQR Production Reporting 11.1.2.x (final active release) |
| Specification | docs.oracle.com |
LIS conversions
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