What is a TXT file?

A TXT file is a standard text document that contains plain text. It can be opened
and edited in any text-editing or word-processing program. TXT files are most often
created by Microsoft Notepad and Apple TextEdit, which are basic text editors that
come bundled with Windows and macOS, respectively.
More Information
Screenshot of a .txt file in Microsoft Notepad
TXT file open in Microsoft Notepad

TXT files are simple text documents that contain little to no formatting. They are
used to 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. Microsoft Notepad saves documents as TXT files by default, and Microsoft
WordPad and Apple TextEdit can optionally save files as TXT files. When a WordPad
or TextEdit user saves a document as a TXT file, those programs strip the document
of 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 those documents as TXT files. Instead,
they use 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.
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.
How to open a TXT file

You can open a TXT file with any text editor and most popular web browsers.

In Windows, you can open a TXT file with Microsoft Notepad or Microsoft WordPad,
both of which come included with Windows. To open a TXT file with Notepad, select
File → Open....

In macOS, you can open a TXT file with Apple TextEdit, which comes included with
the operating system. To open a TXT file with TextEdit, select File → Open....

On Chromebooks, you can open a TXT file with Google Chrome Text, which comes
included with Chrome OS. To open a TXT file with Google Chrome Text, click the Open
button.

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

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

.DOCX - Microsoft Word Document

.ODT - OpenDocument Text Document
.RTF - Rich Text Format

Open and view .TXT files with File Viewer Plus.Free Download
Programs that open TXT files
Web
File Helper
Free
Online TXT Reader
Free
TextEditor.co
Free
Windows
File Viewer Plus
Free Trial
Microsoft Notepad
Included with OS
Microsoft WordPad
Included with OS
Microsoft Word 365
Free Trial
Corel WordPerfect 2021
Free Trial
Helios TextPad
Free Trial
Notepad++
Free
Notepad2
Free
Geany
Free
Other text editor
Any web browser
Mac
Apple TextEdit
Included with OS
Bare Bones BBEdit
Free Trial
MacroMates TextMate
Free
Microsoft Word 365
Free Trial
Wondershare PDFelement
Free Trial
Geany
Free
Other text editor
Any web browser
Linux
Leafpad
Free
gedit
Free
KWrite
Free
Geany
Free
Other text editor
Any web browser
iOS
Apple Pages
Free
Microsoft Office
Free+
Microsoft Word
Free+
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro
Free+
Infraware Polaris Office
Free+
Android
File Viewer for Android
Free+
Microsoft Office
Free+
Microsoft Word
Free+
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro
Free+
Kingsoft WPS Office for Android
Free+
Rhythm Software QuickEdit text editor
Free
Aquamarine Networks Jota Text Editor
Free
Chrome OS
Google Chrome Text
Included with OS
Updated May 2, 2022
Verified by FileInfo.com

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the Plain Text file format and
Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100%
accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

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know.