MANIFEST files are associated with the Windows operating system. This file extension is an XML file which is used for updating earlier versions of Windows prior to Windows XP. It is connected to specific Dynamic Link Library files and EXE files in Windows in order to establish a link with the older programs to provide them with an updated appearance. The MANIFEST file will also describe which files are referenced as common controls in order to run the updated version of the program.
MANIFEST files are designed to communicate with XP and Vista to tell the operating system to use the newer look with the older program. For this to be effective, the MANIFEST file has the same file name as the program with the MANIFEST extension added after the program file extension. For example, if the name of the program file is application.exe, when the MANIFEST file is added, the name of the file will appear as application.exe.manifest. The .MANIFEST file is also stored in the same directory as the program EXE file it is associated with.
MANIFEST files contain metadata and other information that defines the file. The information is in a plain text format and refers to permissions, packages, file extensions, sources, and any other data that is necessary for defining the file.
How to Open MANIFEST Files
You can open and view MANIFEST files using Windows, Mac, or the Linux operating system. Because the file is typically in a plain text format, you can open and edit it with any text editing program.
If you use Windows, you can open and edit MANIFEST files with Notepad or WordPad. Simply right click on the file you want to open and then choose Open With from the drop-down menu. Choose the text editor from the submenu or click on Browse to locate it if it is not listed in the menu. Choose the program and then open the MANIFEST file to view the contents. You can also use Heaventools Application Manifest Wizard, which is available as a free trial download from the relevant website.
If you use Mac OS, you can open and edit MANIFEST files using Apple TextEdit. For the Linux operating system you can use gEdit.
It is also important to mention that the file extension MANIFEST can also be associated with Valve Steam, which is a software application that is used to download video games from the Steam online store. The files are also related to games that have already been downloaded and require patch updates and upgrading for enhanced application usage. In this case, you can use Valve Steam for Windows and Mac OS to open and view MANIFEST files.
