INI
Technology & Computing abbreviation · File Format
| Stands for | Initialization file |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
INI stands for Initialization file, a file format abbreviation.
Plain-text configuration file divided into sections in square brackets, each holding key=value settings. Windows programs, games and some Linux tools still use INI files for settings.
Example: Change the resolution in the game's settings.ini file if the menu won't open.
Usage notes
Windows 3.x relied on WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI for system settings until Windows 95 moved most configuration into the registry. INI files remain popular because people can read and edit them easily. Hidden desktop.ini files customize how individual folders display in Windows. The format has no single official specification, so details such as comment characters vary.
Related abbreviations
More file format abbreviations
- HEIC – High Efficiency Image Container
- HEIF – High Efficiency Image File Format
- HEVC – High Efficiency Video Coding
- ICO – Icon file
- ICS – iCalendar file
- IMG – Disk image file
- IPA – iOS App Store Package
- ISO – ISO disc image
- JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group
- JPG – JPEG image file
- JXL – JPEG XL
- KML – Keyhole Markup Language