ACF files exist as 5 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Steam Application Cache File
Steam software is the video gaming program by Valve. Steam software utilizes files with the .acf extension, called Steam cache files. These files store data like game installers and attributes. Stea...
General Information
| Title | ACF File Extension |
| Extension | .acf |
| Full Form | Application Cache File |
| File Type | Steam Cache File |
| Developer | Valve Corporation |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store information |
| Additional Functions | Facilitate downloads, Manage updates |
| Features | Binary format, Key-value pairs |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Binary structured |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Not recommended |
Use Cases
| Game Installation | Yes |
| Game Updates | Yes |
| Content Management | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low risk |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Steam verification |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2003 |
| Latest Version | Varies with Steam updates |
Associated Types
| Config Files | .vdf |
| Resource Files | .gcf, .ncf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Steam Client |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: X-Plane Aircraft File
You can create an ACF file using Plane-Maker. Plane-Maker is a utility that comes with X-Plane. However, Plane-Maker does not enable you to create a 3D model. It is only used to determine layout of ba...
General Information
| Title | ACF File Extension |
| Extension | .acf |
| Full Form | X-Plane Aircraft File |
| File Type | Aircraft Configuration File |
| Developer | Laminar Research |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store aircraft data |
| Additional Functions | Simulation parameters |
| Features | 3D modeling, Physics-based |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High fidelity |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Flight Simulation | Yes |
| Pilot Training | Yes |
| Aircraft Design | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular updates |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1990s |
| Latest Version | X-Plane 11 (2017) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .air, .obj, .bgl |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 X-Plane |
Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 Plane Maker |
Free with X-Plane | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 3: Adobe Photoshop Custom Filter File
General Information
| Title | ACF File Extension |
| Extension | .acf |
| Full Form | Adobe Custom Filter File |
| File Type | Plugin File |
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Custom Photoshop filter |
| Additional Functions | Image manipulation |
| Features | Customizable, Reusable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Depends on filter |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | Varies |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Graphic Design | Yes |
| Photography | Yes |
| Digital Art | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Verify source |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Associated with Photoshop 3.0 |
| Notable Changes | Filter updates, Photoshop versions |
Associated Types
| Related Extensions | .psd, .atn, .abr |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Adobe Photoshop |
Subscription | Windows, Mac |
Type 4: Agent Character Data File
The ACF file contains data used by Steam, X-Plane, and Microsoft Agent. Steam uses ACF files to cache downloaded software information. X-Plane uses ACF files to store aircraft properties. Microsoft Ag...
General Information
| Title | ACF File Extension |
| Extension | .acf |
| Full Form | Agent Character File |
| File Type | Data File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store character data |
| Additional Functions | Animation mapping, Voice settings |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Fixed data |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | With software |
Use Cases
| Virtual Assistants | Yes |
| Interactive Characters | Yes |
| Desktop Agents | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Depends on content |
| Best Practices | Safe source verification |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1997 |
| Discontinued | 2004 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .acs, .act |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Agent |
Discontinued | Windows |
| Double Agent |
Free | Windows |
Type 5: Google Earth Pro Aircraft
Google Earth Pro allows simulating flying an F-16 and an SR22. Settings defining how aircraft fly are in ACF files. Google Earth Pro ACF files are in ~/flightsim/aircraft. You cannot add ACF files. Ho...
General Information
| Title | ACF File Extension |
| Extension | .acf |
| Full Form | Aircraft Performance Profile |
| File Type | Performance Data File |
| Developer | |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store performance data |
| Additional Functions | Simulate flight |
| Features | Geospatial, Aircraft data |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Technical data |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Flight Simulation | Yes |
| Educational Purposes | Yes |
| Geospatial Analysis | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular updates |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Not widely documented |
| Latest Version | Varies with Google Earth updates |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .kml, .kmz |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Google Earth Pro |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |