IGN File – What is .ign file and how to open it?

What is an IGN File?

An IGN file is a plain text file that contains a list of files and folders to be ignored during a RoboHelp project build. It allows users to exclude specific files or folders from being included in the generated output, such as temporary files, backup files, or files that are not relevant to the project. This helps to streamline the build process and reduce the size of the resulting output.

How IGN Files Work

IGN files are typically placed within the root directory of the RoboHelp project. When the build process is initiated, RoboHelp scans the IGN file and excludes any files or folders listed within it from the build. This ensures that these files are not included in the generated output, regardless of their location within the project. IGN files can also be used to exclude files based on their file extension or file size. By providing RoboHelp with specific instructions on which files to ignore, users can optimize the build process and ensure that the generated output includes only the necessary files.

Understanding IGN Files

IGN (RoboHelp Ignore List File) files are text-based files used by the RoboHelp authoring tool from Adobe Systems. They contain a list of file names or extensions that RoboHelp ignores when generating output. IGN files specify which files should be excluded from the generated documentation, such as temporary files, backup files, and certain file types that are not relevant to the documentation project.

Opening IGN Files

IGN files are plain text files, so they can be opened and edited using any text editor, such as Notepad, TextEdit, or Sublime Text. To open an IGN file, simply launch your preferred text editor and navigate to the file’s location on your computer. IGN files have a simple structure and are easy to understand. The file typically contains a list of file names or extensions, each on a separate line. You can add or remove entries from the list as needed, and save the file with the .IGN extension.

IGN File Format

An IGN file is a text file used by RoboHelp, a help authoring tool developed by Adobe Systems. It contains a list of files and directories that should be ignored when indexing a project. This allows users to exclude specific files or directories from the search results, ensuring that only relevant content is included in the help documentation. IGN files typically follow a simple syntax, with each line representing a file or directory to be ignored. Wildcards can be used to match multiple files or directories.

Usage of IGN Files

IGN files are particularly useful in situations where the project contains a large number of files or directories, or when specific content needs to be excluded from the search results. By excluding irrelevant files or directories, RoboHelp can index the project more efficiently and provide more accurate and relevant search results. IGN files can also be used to exclude sensitive or confidential information from the help documentation, ensuring that it remains secure and accessible only to authorized individuals.

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