TXT File – What is .txt file and how to open it?
TXT File Extension
Plain Text File – file format by N/A
A TXT file is a plain text file. It contains only text, without any formatting or special characters. TXT files can be opened using any text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit. They are often used to store notes, lists, or other simple text documents.
TXT File Definition and History
A TXT file, short for Plain Text File, is a simple text document that contains unformatted and unencoded text. It is widely recognized and utilized across various platforms and applications due to its universal compatibility. TXT files are predominantly used for storing and exchanging textual data, typically consisting of characters, words, and sentences. They are commonly employed in situations where formatting or special characters are not required or desirable.
Key Features and Uses of TXT Files
TXT files excel in their simplicity and compatibility. They are often used for note-taking, creating basic documents, writing scripts, or storing code snippets. Due to their plain text nature, TXT files offer several advantages. They are:
- Portable and compatible: TXT files can be easily opened and read by any text editor or word processor on different operating systems and devices.
- Easy to edit: TXT files can be effortlessly modified using any text editor, making them convenient for quick revisions and updates.
- Lightweight: TXT files are compact and consume minimal storage space, making them practical for storing and sharing small amounts of textual data.
- Universal: TXT files are supported by a vast majority of software applications and online platforms, ensuring broad accessibility.
Opening a TXT File in Windows
TXT files are unformatted text files that contain only raw text data, making them simple to open and edit. In Windows operating systems, TXT files can be opened using various applications, including:
- Notepad: Pre-installed text editor that provides basic text editing capabilities. Right-click on the TXT file and select “Open with > Notepad” to open it.
- WordPad: A more advanced text editor included with Windows, offering additional features such as formatting options and spell-checking. Right-click on the TXT file and select “Open with > WordPad” to access it.
- Any other text editor: There are numerous third-party text editors available, such as Sublime Text, Atom, or VSCode, that can open and modify TXT files with enhanced functionalities.
Opening a TXT File on Mac
On macOS systems, TXT files can be opened using the following applications:
- TextEdit: Pre-installed text editor that offers basic text editing capabilities. Double-click on the TXT file or right-click and select “Open With > TextEdit” to open it.
- Pages: A more advanced word processor that can open and edit TXT files with additional formatting options. Right-click on the TXT file and select “Open With > Pages” to access it.
- Any other text editor: As with Windows, there are various third-party text editors available for macOS, such as Sublime Text, Atom, or VSCode, that provide enhanced features for opening and modifying TXT files.
Origins and Development of TXT Files:
The .TXT file extension, indicating a Plain Text File, has its origins in the early days of computer systems. Before graphical user interfaces (GUIs) became prevalent, users interacted with computers primarily through text-based command line interfaces. Files containing instructions for the computer to execute or data for processing were stored as text files. The .TXT extension became a common way to identify these files, which could be easily edited and manipulated using simple text editors.
Characteristics and Uses of TXT Files:
TXT files are characterized by their simplicity and portability. They contain only plain text, without any formatting or special characters, making them readable by various software applications and operating systems. This versatility has led to their widespread use for storing a variety of information, including notes, code snippets, configuration files, and raw data. TXT files are often used in programming for creating scripts, storing configuration settings, and exchanging data between different systems. They are also commonly used for note-taking, exchanging text documents via email or messaging, and creating simple text-based documents.