README file

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope
readme file

A README file is a text file (commonly readme.txt) containing information for the user about the program, utility, or game. README files often contain instructions, additional help, and details about patches or updates.

Tip

Information in a README file is often not included in the full documentation or manual for the software. It is a good idea to read both.

Note

If the readme file does not contain a .txt file extension, the computer may not know how to open the file. Use Notepad or your text editor of choice to open the file.

Example of a readme.txt file

Below is a link to download an example of a readme.txt file. Note: Most browsers open a .txt file in the browser. To save the file to the computer, right-click the link below and choose the Save link as, Save target as, or Save linked content as option.

Download the readme.txt file

File, Howto, Software terms, Text file