How to open a .editorconfig file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .editorconfig file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands EditorConfig. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .editorconfig file is a EditorConfig Coding-Style File. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads EditorConfig yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .editorconfig file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .editorconfig. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with any text editor or VS Code.
On Mac, use any text editor or VS Code.
On Linux, try any text editor or VS Code.
Still stuck? Search for a dedicated EditorConfig viewer.

Best apps to open .editorconfig files

Windows

any text editor
VS Code

macOS

any text editor
VS Code

Linux

any text editor
VS Code

Before you open it: Safe. An .editorconfig file is a plain-text style declaration read by editors; it does not execute.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .editorconfig file?

Almost always because no installed app understands EditorConfig. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

What does an .editorconfig file do?

It tells editors how to format files in the project: tabs or spaces, indent width, line endings and charset, so the style stays consistent across the team.

Do I need a plugin for .editorconfig?

JetBrains IDEs and Visual Studio support it natively; VS Code needs the small official EditorConfig extension. Most other editors have a plugin.