PAR cans consist mainly of a metal cylinder with a sealed-beam parabolic reflector lamp at one end.
These lamps are very similar to those used in many automobiles as headlights. The instrument throws an unfocused beam, the shape of which depends on what type of lamp is in the instrument. The instrument size and throw increase as this number increases. Theatrical applications of cans typically include washes and effects lighting. Color frames can be used with most cans by using the clips present on the front of the instrument.