What is the PSR file format?
.psr is a proprietary binary report snapshot format produced by Sybase PowerBuilder and InfoMaker - enterprise application development tools now maintained by Appeon. A PSR file captures a fully rendered DataWindow or InfoMaker report, including data rows, layout formatting, column definitions, and embedded graphics, in a single self-contained file.
The defining feature of PSR is portability: once saved, the file can be viewed and printed without any database connection, making it suitable for distributing reports to users who lack direct data access. Files are created programmatically via the SaveAs(filename!, PSReport!) API call within a PowerBuilder or InfoMaker application.
PSR files are related in purpose to general .rpt report files used by other tools, but the PSR format is specific to the PowerSoft/Appeon product line and is not compatible with Crystal Reports or similar software.
The format has remained stable across decades of the PowerBuilder product line - PowerBuilder 2025 and current InfoMaker (both by Appeon) still produce and consume .psr files unchanged.
For final distribution to a general audience, PSR files are typically exported as PDF or Excel spreadsheets. PSR remains in active use when interactive report manipulation within a running PowerBuilder application is required - such as in-app sorting, filtering, or page navigation.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWPSR is a proprietary data/layout file with no executable content. No known malware vector.
Format details
in a nutshell- Problem Steps Recorder file - Windows 7+ built-in tool (psr.exe) saves screen-capture recordings as .zip-based .psr MHTML archives for bug reporting.
Programs that open PSR files
Windows2 apps
Appeon InfoMaker
Paid Open the .psr file directly; InfoMaker displays and prints the snapshot report. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | Sybase (acquired by SAP 2010; product line transferred to Appeon 2017) |
| Encoding | Binary |
| Byte order | Little-endian |
| Container | Proprietary PowerSoft Report container |
| MIME type | application/x-powersoft-report |
| Typical file size | 10 KB - 5 MB (depends on data volume and embedded graphics) |
| Stored content | Rendered data rows, layout formatting, column definitions, and embedded graphics |
| Database connection required | No - self-contained snapshot; viewable and printable offline |
| Creation API | SaveAs(filename!, PSReport!) in PowerBuilder or InfoMaker |
| Platform | Windows |
| Compatibility | Broadly backward-compatible across Appeon PowerBuilder product line |
| Current support | PowerBuilder 2025 and InfoMaker (Appeon) still produce and consume PSR files |
| Common alternative | PDF or Excel export for final distribution to non-PowerBuilder users |
| Released | early 1990s (PowerBuilder/InfoMaker for Windows) |
| Latest version | PSR format unchanged across PowerBuilder 2025 (format stable) |
| Specification | docs.appeon.com |
PSR conversions
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about PSR files.
