Plain Text File

TXT files are simple text documents that contain little to no formatting. They often store notes, step-by-step instructions, manuscripts, and other text-based information.

Windows and macOS both include simple text editors that can save text documents as TXT files, including Microsoft Notepad and Apple TextEdit. When the editors save a document as a TXT file, they remove its formatting (bolding, italicization, font style, alignment, etc.).

Users who need to create more complicated text documents, such as resumes, reports, letters, or flyers, typically do not save them as TXT files. Instead, they use word processors, such as Microsoft Word or Apple Pages, to create and save their documents as .DOCX or .PAGES files.

NOTE: Various non-PC devices, such as smartphones and the Amazon Kindle, and web browsers, such as Chrome and Firefox, also recognize plain text files.

New Text Document.txt - The default filename Microsoft Windows gives to new text documents created via the context menu (right-click on the desktop and choose New → Text Document ).

README.txt - A text file commonly included with software installers that provides information about the software. Users should often read this file before using the software.

You can open a TXT file with any text editor and most popular web browsers. For example, Microsoft Notepad (Windows) and Apple TextEdit (macOS) can open TXT files, and they come bundled with their respective operating systems.

The Google Chrome , Mozilla Firefox , and Microsoft Edge web browsers all allow users to open TXT files. Keep in mind, however, that you will not be able to edit your TXT file in a web browser.

In Chrome and Firefox, you can simply drag and drop your file into a browser window to open it. In Microsoft Edge, you must copy and paste your file's location into Edge's address bar to open the file.

Many applications, including Microsoft Word and Apple TextEdit, can convert TXT files to other formats.

For example, select File → Save as in Word to convert TXT files to one of the following formats:

Programs that open TXT files

Updated: May 2, 2022