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CONF File - What is a .conf file and how do I open it?
Learn about .CONF files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a CONF file? A CONF file is a configuration or "config" file used on Unix and Linux based systems. It stores settings used to configure system processes and applications. CONF files are similar to .CFG files found on Windows and Macintosh systems.
More Information Most users will not come across a CONF file unless they are looking to modify specific settings. If you need to open a CONF file, you can use TextMate in macOS or GNU Emacs in Linux. Some examples of configuration files include rc.conf for the system startup, syslog.conf for system logging, smb.conf for the Samba server, and httpd.conf for the Apache Web server.
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.CONF File Extension
2 file types use the .conf file extension.
Unix Configuration File
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What is a CONF file?
A CONF file is a configuration or "config" file used on Unix and Linux based systems. It stores settings used to configure system processes and applications. CONF files are similar to .CFG files found on Windows and Macintosh systems.
More Information
Most users will not come across a CONF file unless they are looking to modify specific settings. If you need to open a CONF file, you can use TextMate in macOS or GNU Emacs in Linux.
Some examples of configuration files include rc.conf for the system startup, syslog.conf for system logging, smb.conf for the Samba server, and httpd.conf for the Apache Web server.
Common CONF Filenames
httpd.conf - The Apache HTTP Server configuration file containing "directives" that configure what features are enabled for the Web server. It is often located in the /etc/httpd/ directory on Unix-based systems.
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Programs that open or reference CONF files
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MacroMates TextMate
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Linux
Referenced by the Unix operating system
GNU Emacs
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Pico
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Vi
Category: Settings Files
Updated: November 29, 2017
Generic Configuration File
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NEW: Open your .CONF file online with File Helper . View Online
A CONF file may also be a plain text configuration file used by various programs to store settings, preferences, and other parameters. It contains information organized into sections and includes application-specific keywords and values that the software reads during startup or runtime to determine how it should operate. Since CONF files are plain text, users can open and edit the files with any text editor.
More Information
Users, such as developers and system administrators, typically encounter CONF files when configuring software manually, troubleshooting issues, or customizing application behavior. Many types of software use CONF files, from system services and server applications to desktop programs.
For example, Subversion, a version control system used by software developers, uses CONF files to store repository settings and user preferences. Other programs may use CONF files to define network configurations, application behavior, or logging options.
NOTE: CONF files are similar in purpose to .CONFIG files that Windows programs use, but are generally simpler and more platform-independent.
How to open a CONF file
You can open CONF files with any text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad , Apple TextEdit , and gedit . The text editors can also edit the CONF files. However, you should only edit CONF files if you understand the settings they contain, since incorrect changes can cause the program that uses the file to malfunction.
Programs that open or reference CONF files
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Windows
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Microsoft Notepad
Included with OS
Microsoft WordPad
gVim
Free
Kingsoft WPS Office
Free +
Other text editor
Mac
Apple TextEdit
Included with OS
MacroMates TextMate
Free
Other text editor
Linux
GNU Emacs
Free
gedit
Free
Other text editor
Web
FileHelper.com
Free
Android
File Viewer for Android
Free +
Category: Settings Files
Updated: September 25, 2025