Opening STRINGS Files

The STRINGS file type is primarily associated with Xcode.

STRINGS	File extension: STRINGS
	File type:	text file

What is an STRINGS file?

STRINGS files mostly belong to Xcode.

STRINGS files store localized text that acts as key-value pairs for software and game interfaces. They separate language-specific strings from the application code, letting programs display text in several languages. Many of these files use an plist structure or are encoded as UTF-16 (little or big endian) or UTF-8, and some even use uncommon formats like ELF or Source2.

Developers working with Xcode rely on these files to handle UI text and translations in a streamlined way. They are not only used by traditional apps but also in game development (for example, some games built with the Creation Engine store text localization in a STRINGS file).

Localization: Stores translated key-value pairs for UI components.
Format Variety: Can be in a plain text or structured format like a plist, and may use different encodings.
Platform Use: Primarily used in Apple's Xcode but also adopted by game engines in titles like Skyrim.

FilExt.com tip: Open these files using a text editor that supports the specific encoding to ensure the text is displayed correctly.

How to open an STRINGS file

You need a suitable software like Xcode to open an STRINGS file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your STRINGS file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a STRINGS file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online STRINGS Text Viewer

Choose your .strings file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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Programs that open and convert STRINGS files:

Xcode
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. STRINGS files are often referred to as Xcode simple text files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Apple II operating system

STRINGS file format:

If you know the file format, you can also find out how to open or edit the file. The file format can be deduced from the file extension and the signature. Nonetheless, different programs can utilize the same file extension to represent distinct file formats. Double-clicking on the file often results in an error when opening. So you need a detailed analysis of a file to find out the format and the associated program. Our analysis of the STRINGS files produces the following result:

You will often come across the STRINGS file type. This includes various formats for various programs. However, the following two file formats are common:

30% of all STRINGS files store the data in the plist file format. A property list file is a structured text file that contains user's settings or macOS apps configuration. These files are not pure binary files and are therefore readable and interpretable with a text editor. The files are on average 1 KB in size and range from 95 bytes to 15 KB. The file type was developed only in the last few years. The keywords bplist00 are typical for these files. An example of a file name is Localizable.strings or InfoPlist.strings. Files like these are sometimes connected to info, plist, view, apple, carrier, message, system, controller, messages, settings and menu.
10% of all STRINGS files use the same file format, which can be identified by the letters "2F 2A" at the beginning. These files contain text and words, not binary data. STRINGS files are between 210 bytes and 36 KB in size. The keywords Created, Localizable.strings, All rights reserved, Copyright and rights reserved are typical for these files. Localizable.strings or InfoPlist.strings is a typical file name.

All other STRINGS files (60%) have no consistent format, frequently e.g. UTF-16 (LE), Source, ELF, UTF-16 (BE) and Mac2OSX. Tagged as english, pass, skyrim, strman, schoolwork, privacy, search, window, error, heist, panel, data or root. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your STRINGS file!

Technical Data for STRINGS File Extension

File classification:

Simple text file

Related files:

plist, stringsdict, properties, resx, lproj, dlstrings, ilstrings, w3strings, nib, fang-of-haynekhtnamet, w3speech, zip, ipcc, elf, file, xml, coderesources, txt, str, flag, bin, dylib, grid, table, final, json

an strings text file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with STRINGS files

Associate the STRINGS file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open text files. Because only the current version supports the latest STRINGS file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available Xcode update.
To make sure that your STRINGS file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .STRINGS file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.