TN1 File – What is .tn1 file and how to open it?
TN1 File Extension
Tiny Low Resolution Image – file format by Atari
TN1 (Tiny Low Resolution Image) is a file format developed by Atari for storing small, low-resolution images. It uses a simple compression algorithm to reduce file size, making it suitable for use in early computer systems with limited storage capacity.
TN1 File Format
A TN1 file is a raster image format utilized by Atari computers. It is known for its low resolution, typically measuring 128 x 96 pixels. TN1 files are characterized by their compact size, making them suitable for storage on limited memory systems. Additionally, their simplicity allows for fast loading and display times, which was crucial for the limited hardware capabilities of Atari computers.
Properties and Usage
TN1 files support a limited color palette of 16 colors. This color reduction contributes to their small file size and fast processing. The files typically contain a single image, though some Atari applications may support multiple images within a single TN1 file. TN1 files were commonly used for displaying graphics and icons in Atari games and software. They were also employed in digital art programs, such as Atari’s Paint program, and served as a popular format for sharing images among Atari enthusiasts.
Opening TN1 Files with Atari Emulators
TN1 files are image files used by Atari computers. To open these files, Atari emulators are necessary, as they mimic the hardware and software of the original Atari systems. Some popular Atari emulators include:
- Atari800Win Plus: An emulator for Atari 8-bit computers running on Windows and Linux.
- ALtirra: An emulator for Atari ST and Atari STE computers.
- Hatari: An emulator for Atari ST and Atari STE computers.
Opening TN1 Files with Graphics Editors
Alternatively, TN1 files can be opened with graphics editors that support the Atari ST Low Resolution Graphics (LRG) format. These editors typically provide tools for editing and converting the files. Some suitable graphics editors include:
- XnView MP: A cross-platform image viewer and editor that supports over 500 image formats, including TN1.
- GIMP: A free and open-source image editor that supports a wide range of image formats and provides advanced editing capabilities.
- Adobe Photoshop: A professional image editing software that offers comprehensive features for image manipulation and conversion.
TN1 File Format
TN1 is a graphics file format developed by Atari and used to store small, low-resolution images. The format is designed for efficient storage and quick retrieval, making it suitable for use in video games and other applications where space and load times are critical. TN1 images are typically monochrome, using only two colors, and have a maximum resolution of 160×100 pixels. The file format is relatively simple, with a header containing information about the image’s size and format, followed by the image data.
Usage of TN1 Files
Due to their small size and compatibility with Atari’s hardware, TN1 files were widely used in Atari video games developed for the Atari 8-bit family of computers, including the Atari 400, 800, and XL series. TN1 images were commonly used for character sprites, menu icons, and other small graphical elements. The format’s simplicity and speed also made it suitable for use in real-time applications, such as animated cutscenes and in-game graphics. Despite its limited capabilities, the TN1 format was instrumental in shaping the visual identity of many classic Atari games.