ATR File – What is .atr file and how to open it?
ATR File Extension
Atari Disk Image – file format by Atari
ATR is a file extension for an Atari disk image format. It is used to store exact copies of Atari 8-bit and Atari ST diskette images, including all tracks and sectors. This allows for preservation and emulation of vintage Atari software and data.
Overview of ATR Files
An ATR file is a compressed disk image file format that was originally developed by Atari for use on its 8-bit home computers, such as the Atari 400/800 and Atari ST series. ATR files contain a replica of the contents of a physical Atari diskette, including all files, directories, and formatting information. The “ATR” acronym stands for “Atari Tape Recorder,” as the format was initially designed to allow Atari computers to load and save data to cassette tapes. Due to its compressed nature, an ATR file typically occupies less space than the corresponding raw diskette image.
Usage and Compatibility
ATR files have become the de facto standard for preserving and distributing Atari diskette images. They are commonly used by enthusiasts who wish to access classic Atari software and games on modern computers or emulators. Various software applications exist for creating, modifying, and extracting files from ATR images. Additionally, ATR files can be mounted as virtual disks by emulator software, allowing users to interact with their contents as if they were using a physical Atari disk. Due to their wide adoption, ATR files have played a crucial role in preserving the legacy of Atari computing and making classic Atari software accessible to future generations.
Accessing ATR Files with Emulators:
To access and interact with ATR files, emulators provide a convenient solution. These software programs replicate the hardware and functionality of the original Atari systems, allowing users to experience classic games and applications on modern computers. Popular Atari emulators include Altirra, Hatari, and MESS. By loading ATR files into these emulators, users can boot up the disk images and access the files and programs they contain.
Extracting Files from ATR Images:
For scenarios where access to the entire disk image is not required, users can extract individual files from ATR images using specialized software. These tools facilitate the selective extraction of specific files or folders from the disk image, without the need to mount or emulate the entire disk. Popular file extraction utilities that support ATR images include ATRtools and ATR Extract. By utilizing these tools, users can conveniently retrieve desired files from ATR images for various purposes, such as transferring files to other devices or preserving valuable data from vintage Atari systems.
History and Development
The ATR file extension was introduced in the late 1970s by Atari as a storage format for 8-bit Atari floppy disks. The ATR format encapsulates the entire contents of the floppy disk, including the operating system, applications, and data. This allowed users to create disk images of their favorite games, programs, and files for backup and sharing purposes.
Structure and Features
An ATR file is a binary file that contains a raw disk image. It stores the exact bit-by-bit copy of the floppy disk data, including sector layout, file system, and boot sector information. The ATR format is designed to be compatible with various 8-bit Atari computers, including the Atari 400/800 series and the Atari ST. It supports disk sizes ranging from 90KB to 1.44MB and various disk formats, such as single-sided and double-sided disks.