.cfg

What is a .cfg file?

CFG is a generic configuration file — plain text key-value pairs used by various applications and systems.

Safe format
Type Data
By Various (no single standard)
MIME text/plain

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What is it

The .cfg extension is a catch-all for configuration files. There's no formal specification — different applications use different syntaxes, from simple `key=value` pairs to INI-style sections to custom formats. The only reliable thing about a .cfg file is that it's plain text and contains settings.

You'll find .cfg files in game configurations (many PC games store settings in .cfg), application preferences, build system configs, and server configurations. Source engine games (Counter-Strike, Half-Life) use .cfg files for binds and settings. Python's configparser module expects INI-style .cfg files. Buildroot and other embedded Linux tools use their own .cfg dialects.

Open any .cfg file in a text editor — they're always plain text. VS Code provides syntax highlighting for common cfg formats. Modifying cfg files is usually safe (the application reads them on startup), but keep a backup before changing anything. One wrong value can prevent an application from starting.

Technical details
Full Name
Configuration File
MIME Type
text/plain
Developer
Various (no single standard)
Magic Bytes
N/A
Safety
.cfg is a known, safe format. Plain text configuration file. No executable content, but incorrect modifications can affect application behaviour.
What opens it
Any text editor
FREE Windows / Mac / Linux
VS Code
FREE Windows / Mac / Linux
FAQ
How do I edit a CFG file?
Open it in any text editor (Notepad, VS Code, TextEdit). Read the existing entries to understand the format, make your changes, and save. Keep a backup of the original file.
Is CFG the same as INI?
Sometimes. Some .cfg files use INI format (sections in brackets, key=value pairs), but .cfg is a generic extension with no guaranteed format. Check the file content to determine the syntax.
Related formats