What is the PAN file format?
.pan is a Panorama database file created and used by Panorama X, a macOS database application developed by ProVUE Development. Unlike most database applications that read records from disk on demand, Panorama uses an in-RAM architecture: the entire database loads into memory on open, enabling extremely fast searches and calculations even on large datasets.
A .pan file stores the complete database in a proprietary binary format, including tables, field definitions, data records, forms, reports, and embedded procedures written in ProVUE's native scripting language. Because the format is undocumented and proprietary, only Panorama software can open these files.
Two generations of the format exist. Panorama 6 produced .pan files on both macOS and Windows; that version is now discontinued and unsupported. Panorama X introduced a revised file format incompatible with Panorama 6 - migration requires using File > Import from Panorama 6 inside the current application. Panorama X also uses the .panx extension for its native file type.
Panorama X is macOS-only, requires macOS 10.12 or later, and runs natively on Apple Silicon. The most recent release, Panorama X 10.2 (November 2024), added 159 new statements and 155 new functions. ProVUE no longer sells or supports a Windows version.
Security & safety
RISK: LOW.pan files are proprietary database files openable only in Panorama software. They cannot execute code outside the Panorama environment. The main risk is data loss if the file is corrupt or a matching Panorama version is unavailable.
Format details
in a nutshell- CorelDRAW Printer File - Some older CorelDRAW versions used .pan for printer-specific settings (the db incorrectly attributes this to ProVUE).
- Panorama Stitching Project - Several panoramic photo software tools (e.g. Hugin) use .pan for stitching project files.
Programs that open PAN files
Windows1 app
Panorama 6 (legacy, discontinued)
Paid If you still have a licensed copy of Panorama 6 for Windows, it can open older .pan files. Not available for new purchase; no current support. 
macOS1 app
Panorama X
Paid Double-click the .pan file or File > Open in Panorama X. Free trial available. For Panorama 6 files, use File > Import from Panorama 6. Technical details
deep spec| File format | Proprietary binary; format is undocumented and ProVUE-specific |
| Architecture | In-RAM database - entire file loaded into memory on open for instant search, sort, and calculation |
| Stored contents | Tables, field definitions, records, forms, reports, and embedded ProVUE procedure scripts |
| Platform | macOS only (Panorama X); requires macOS 10.12 Sierra or later |
| Apple Silicon support | Fully native on Apple Silicon (M-series) as of Panorama X 10.2 (November 2024) |
| Encryption | Optional record-level encryption supported in Panorama X |
| Version compatibility | Panorama 6 `.pan` format not directly readable by Panorama X; requires File > Import from Panorama 6 |
| Windows support | Panorama 6 for Windows is discontinued; ProVUE no longer sells or supports it |
| Typical file size | 10 KB - several hundred MB depending on record count |
| Export formats | CSV, tab-delimited, fixed-width text; no native SQL or SQLite export |
| Latest release | Panorama X 10.2 (November 25, 2024) - added 159 new statements and 155 new functions |
| Alternative extension | `.panx` is also used by Panorama X for its current-generation database files |
| Released | 1988 (Panorama 1.0 for Mac) |
| Latest version | Panorama X 10.2 (released November 25, 2024) |
| Specification | www.provue.com |
PAN conversions
Community Q&A
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