A P8 file contains source code written in PICO-8, which is a language used to program 8-bit retro-style games that can be played with the PICO-8 virtual fantasy gaming console. PICO-8 source code uses the Lua scripting language syntax and may include references to sprites, sound effects, maps, and music data that make up the game.

P8 file open in Microsoft Notepad You will most likely only encounter a P8 file if you are developing a game in PICO-8 and save the source code as a "cartridge." When saving the "cartridge," PICO-8 creates the P8 file to store the source code. You may also acquire the P8 file if you download the source code of a PICO-8 game or receive it from another PICO-8 developer. P8 files can be edited with PICO-8, which allows you to run the game locally and make builds of the game. PICO-8 comes with several editors, including Code, Sprite, Map, SFX, and Music, that enable you to modify specific parts of the game stored in the P8 file. You can also modify a P8 file with a text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad or Apple TextEdit. However, plain text editors do not provide the same syntax-highlighting features as PICO-8. P8 files may also be compiled with PICO-8 into the binary .P8.PNG format. This format is used to store games that can be shared among other gamers and played in PICO-8. NOTE: PICO-8 is a cross-platform program that allows you to create, play, and share tiny retro-style games. The games can be saved as "virtual cartridges" with .p8 or .p8.png file extensions.