Like Notepad for Windows, however, TextEdit isn’t designed for formatting. macOS recognizes the file and should automatically attempt to open it using the built-in TextEdit app. Like Windows software, software designed for Macs use the CFG (or CONFIG) file format for additional configuration. If this happens, the file will no longer work as a configuration file, so make sure to check that the file is saved with the CFG extension once you’ve finished editing it.

Some text editors, such as Wordpad, may automatically convert your file to the TXT file format during the save process. But be sure to save the file in the CFG format afterwards. Once the file opens in your chosen text file editor, you can make changes. Alternatively, right-click the CFG file and select the Open With option. If Windows automatically recognizes the CFG file, double-click it to open it in Notepad.

To open a CFG file using the native Notepad app, open Windows File Explorer at the location of the file.

Third-party Notepad replacements offer more features, including Notepad++, but aren’t essential. However, Notepad offers no additional formatting options, making it harder to work through a large CFG file. That makes it easy for Windows 10 users to open a CFG file using the built-in Notepad application. The range of software using CFG files for configuration is vast, including commercial design software, text editors, and games. The CFG file extension is widely recognized as a software configuration file, which is why software developers often use it. If the changes are wrong or cause instability, you can easily revert back to an earlier, backed up version of the file. If you’re unsure about the changes you’re making, make sure to back up your files first.

Some developers actively discourage this, however, leaving trial-and-error as the only way to see if your changes work. The software developers may encourage this, offering documentation or help guides to help you. Before you start editing a CFG file, you should understand how it will impact the software it links to.

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