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.TXT File Extension

File TypePlain Text File

DeveloperN/A
Popularity
3.8 (2127 Votes)
CategoryText Files
FormatText

What is a TXT file?

A TXT file is a standard text document that contains unformatted text. It is recognized by any text editing or word processing program and can also be processed by most other software programs. TXT files are often created and opened using Microsoft Notepad and Apple TextEdit.

More Information

Screenshot of a .txt file in Microsoft Notepad

TXT file open in Microsoft Notepad

TXT files are useful for storing information in plain text with no special formatting beyond basic fonts and font styles. The file is commonly used for recording notes, directions, and other similar documents that do not need to appear a certain way. If you are looking to create a document with more formatting capabilities, such as a report, newsletter, or resume, you should look to the .DOCX file, which is used by the popular Microsoft Word program.

If you have a computer running Windows, Notepad and Wordpad come bundled with the operating system (OS) and allow you to create and edit TXT files. If you have a computer running macOS (OS X), TextEdit comes bundled with the OS and is a good choice for creating and editing TXT files.

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

Common TXT Filenames

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.

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Open and view .TXT files with File Viewer Plus.

Programs that open TXT files

Updated 3/21/2019

About TXT Files

Our goal is to help you understand what a file with a *.txt suffix is and how to open it.

The Plain Text file type, file format description, and Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS programs listed on this page have been individually researched and verified by the FileInfo team. We strive for 100% accuracy and only publish information about file formats that we have tested and validated.

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