.NFO File Extension

System Information File

Developer	Microsoft
Popularity	Average rating 4.1 / 5. Vote count: 79
Category	System Files
Format	.NFO
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an NFO file?

The .NFO file extension, short for Info or Information,is a text-based document typically associated with system information” or readme files.

These files are often included within software distributions to provide users with installation instructions, product information, or software licensing terms.

Unlike standard text files, .NFO files are often stylized with ASCII art and unique text layouts to grab the user’s attention.

More Information.

Historically, .NFO files served a dual purpose. Legitimately, they were used by software developers to offer users important information about the software, installation guides, or troubleshooting tips.

On the other hand, in the underground software distribution community, .NFO files were a canvas for digital art and a bulletin board for crediting contributors, providing group news, or stating distribution rules.

Origin Of This File.

The .NFO file format originated in the early days of software distribution. Initially, they were used by software developers and publishers to include important information about their products.

The use of .NFO files became more prominent with the rise of the warez scene unauthorized distribution of software.

Groups distributing pirated software would include .NFO files within their releases to credit the group’s members, provide file lists, and give installation instructions or software descriptions.

File Structure Technical Specification.

Technically, .NFO files are plain text files and can be opened with any text editor. What sets them apart is their use of extended ASCII characters to create elaborate text and box art, not typically supported by standard text files.

To view the stylized content as intended, a dedicated NFO viewer or a text editor that supports the extended ASCII set is required.

How to Convert the File?

Converting an .NFO file, which is essentially a text file that may contain ASCII art, typically involves changing it into a more universally readable format like plain text (.txt) or a PDF. Here’s how you can go about this, with the perspective of someone performing the task:

Converting to Plain Text (.txt):

If you’re dealing with an .NFO file and need it in a plain text format:

Open the File in a Text Editor:

Locate the .NFO file on your computer.
Right-click on the file and choose “Open with” then select your preferred text editor (Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on macOS, or Gedit on Linux).

Inspect the Content:

Observe the content. If the .NFO file contains ASCII art, it may not render perfectly in basic text editors.

Save as .txt:

In your text editor, go to the “File” menu and choose “Save As…”
In the dialog box, change the file extension to .txt in the file name field.
Choose the location where you want to save the file and then hit “Save.”

Converting to PDF:

If you need the .NFO file in a PDF format, especially to preserve the layout of ASCII art:

On Windows (Using a PDF Printer):

Open the .NFO file with a program that displays the ASCII art correctly, like Notepad++.
Go to “File” > “Print”.
In the print dialog, select “Microsoft Print to PDF” or another PDF printer if available.
Press “Print”, choose where to save the PDF, name your file, and click “Save.”

Using Online Conversion Tools:

Find a reliable online conversion service.
Upload your .NFO file according to the website’s instructions.
Choose PDF as the target format and start the conversion.
Download the converted file once the process is complete.

On macOS (Using TextEdit):

Open the .NFO file with TextEdit.
Go to “File” > “Print”.
In the print dialog, select the “PDF” dropdown in the bottom left, then choose “Save as PDF.”
Choose the location, name your file, and click “Save.”

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantage:

Concise Information: .NFO files provide a compact and detailed information package about software or media content.
Customizability: The use of ASCII art and unique text layouts allows for a high degree of customization and branding.
Low File Size: Being text files, they occupy minimal space.

Disadvantage:

Special Viewer Requirement: To view the ASCII art and stylized text correctly, a dedicated viewer or compatible text editor is needed.
Misuse in Piracy: Their association with pirated software distribution can sometimes cast a negative light on .NFO files.

How to Open NFO?

Open In Windows

Using Notepad:

Right-click on the .NFO file.
Choose “Open with” and then select “Notepad.” This might not display ASCII art correctly.

Using a Dedicated NFO Viewer (like DAMN NFO Viewer or NFOpad):

Download and install the viewer.
Right-click on the .NFO file.
Choose “Open with” and then select the installed NFO viewer.

Open In Linux

Using a Text Editor (like Gedit):

Right-click on the .NFO file.
Select “Open With” and then choose your text editor. This may not render ASCII art perfectly.

Using a Dedicated NFO Viewer:

Install an NFO viewer compatible with Linux (like NFO Viewer).
Right-click on the .NFO file.
Choose “Open with” and then select the installed NFO viewer.

Open In MAC

Using TextEdit:

Right-click on the .NFO file.
Select “Open With” and then choose “TextEdit.” Like Notepad, this might not display ASCII art properly.

Using a Dedicated NFO Viewer (like NFOViewer for macOS):

Download and install the viewer.
Right-click on the .NFO file.
Choose “Open with” and then select the installed NFO viewer.

Open In Android

Using a Text Viewer or Editor App:

Download a text viewer or editor app from the Google Play Store.
Open the app and navigate to the location of the .NFO file.
Open the file. The ASCII art may not be displayed correctly depending on the app.

Open In IOS

Using a Text Viewer or Editor App:

Download a text viewer or editor app from the App Store.
Open the app and locate the .NFO file (you might need to import it into the app).
Open the file. As with other systems, the ASCII art might not render perfectly.

Open in Others

Check Built-in Editors: Try opening the .NFO file with the system’s native text editor, keeping in mind ASCII art may not display as intended.
Look for Compatible Software: If needed, search for compatible third-party text viewers or editors that support .NFO files and extended ASCII characters.
Prioritize Safety: Ensure any third-party software is secure and reputable before downloading and installing.