.pen Files

What are .pen files?

.pen files are Pencil’s design file format:

• JSON-based - Structured, readable data format
• Version-control friendly - Works with Git like any code file
• Portable - Share files across teams and platforms

Working with .pen files

Creating:

• In IDE: Create a new file with .pen extension
• In Desktop: File → New or Cmd/Ctrl + N

Opening:

• Double-click .pen files
• Open in IDE like any other file
• Pencil activates automatically

Saving:

• Cmd/Ctrl + S to save
• Note: Auto-save is not yet available - save frequently!
• Use Git commits for version history

Best Practices:

• Save frequently (no auto-save yet)
• Commit to Git regularly for version history
• Keep .pen files in your project workspace alongside code
• Use descriptive names: dashboard.pen, components.pen