PREF files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Preferences File
Settings file; used by applications. Contains program preferences; application defaults or user preferences. Uses ".pref" extension; short for "preferences". Example programs using PREF files: GTKRadi...
General Information
| Title | PREF File Extension |
| Extension | .pref |
| Full Form | Preferences File |
| File Type | Configuration File |
| Developer | Various |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store settings |
| Additional Functions | Save configurations |
| Features | Text-based, Key-value pairs |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Not applicable |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Application Settings | Yes |
| User Preferences | Yes |
| System Configuration | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Sensitive data exposure |
| Best Practices | Encryption, Access control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies |
| Latest Version | Varies |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .ini, .cfg, .config |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Various Software |
N/A | Varies |
| Preference Utilities |
N/A | Varies |
Type 2: Macintosh Preferences File
The pref file extension is used by Apple's Mac OS X operating system. It contains application settings and preferences. There is one other file type also using the .pref extension - Adobe Device Centr...
General Information
| Title | PREF File Extension |
| Extension | .pref |
| Full Form | Macintosh Preferences File |
| File Type | Settings File |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store settings |
| Additional Functions | Configure applications, System preferences |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Not applicable |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | With compatible software |
Use Cases
| Application Settings | Yes |
| System Configuration | Yes |
| User Preferences | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Settings tampering |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Careful editing |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | With early Mac OS |
| Latest Version | Per macOS updates |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .plist, .settings, .config |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 macOS |
Included with OS | Mac |
 Preference Files Editors |
Varies | Mac |