DataShow GRA
From Just Solve the File Format Problem
DataShow GRA is a raster graphics format associated with DataShow. DataShow is a presentation and multi-purpose graphics application for DOS, developed by René Michael Plambek.
GRA is a somewhat crude non-compressed format, apparently for a full-screen image.
Contents |
Discussion
Here's a way to view a GRA file in DataShow Pro v1.4A (assumes you have a way to run DOS software):
- Figure out what mode the GRA file uses (see the Identification section of this page).
- Put the file in the same directory as SHOW.EXE (not required, but simpler).
- Run SHOW.EXE.
- At the main menu, press F9 (Setup).
- Use up/down arrow keys to move the cursor to the "Default Graphics mode" item.
- Use "+"/"-" keys to select the correct graphics mode, then press F10.
- At the main menu, press F4 (Draw).
- At the Draw Center menu, press F9 (Setup).
- Use up/down arrow keys to move the cursor to the "Graphics type" item.
- Use "+"/"-" keys to select "GRA" format, then press F10.
- Press F2 (Files).
- Use arrow keys to select "Load file", and press Enter.
- Type the filename, and press Enter. Dismiss the message.
- At the Draw Center menu, press F4 ("Draw"). The image should be displayed. Press F10 when done.
Identification
A GRA file can perhaps be identified using the file size, and the first 3 or 4 bytes of the file. Note that the first two bytes are the image width, minus 1.
[The information in this table was derived from minimal testing, and may be incomplete.]
| Mode | File size | First 4 bytes |
|---|---|---|
| CGA - 320x200 | 16006 | 3f 01 c7 00
|
| EGA1 - 640x200x16 | 64006 | 7f 02 c7 00
|
| EGA2 - 640x350x16 | 112012 | 7f 02 c8 00
|
| VGA1 - 640x480x16 | 153618 | 7f 02 c8 00
|
| VGA2 - 320x200x256 | 64006 | 3f 01 c7 00
|
| SVGA1 - 640x400x256 | 256024 | 7f 02 64 00
|
| SVGA2 - 640x480x256 | 307230 | 7f 02 64 00
|
| SVGA3 - 800x600x16 | 240024 | 1f 03 96 00
|
| SVGA4 - 800x600x256 | 480048 | 1f 03 4b 00
|
| SVGA5 - 1024x768x16 | 393258 | ff 03 7d 00
|
| SVGA6 - 1024x768x256 | 786510 | ff 03 3c 00
|
Software
- DataShow v1.5B (1991-06)
- DataShow v2.5A (1992-03)
- DataShow v4.3A (1994-06)
- DataShow v5.0A (1994-11)
- DataShow v7.0A (1996-03)
- DataShow, Pro Version 1.0A (1995-10)
- DataShow, Pro Version 1.4A (1996-03)
Sample files
- show15.zip → PROMOTE1.GRA (CGA mode)
- show70.zip → PROMOTE1.GRA (EGA1 mode)
