INI files exist as 4 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Windows Initialization File
General Information
| Title | INI File Extension |
| Extension | .ini |
| Full Form | Initialization File |
| File Type | Configuration File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store configuration |
| Additional Functions | Parameter initialization, Preferences setup |
| Features | Plain text, Key-value pairs |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Simple, Human-readable |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Program Configuration | Yes |
| System Settings | Yes |
| Game Options | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Configuration manipulation |
| Best Practices | Validate input, Restrict access |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early Windows |
| Latest Version | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .cfg, .conf, .txt |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Windows Notepad |
Free | Windows |
 Notepad++ |
Free | Windows |
 Sublime Text |
Free trial | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: Symbian OS Configuration File
Symbian OS utilized .ini configuration files. These contained system and application settings and preferences. Symbian tools allowed modifying .ini files. Windows initializes programs using .ini files...
General Information
| Title | INI File Extension |
| Extension | .ini |
| Full Form | Initialization File |
| File Type | Configuration File |
| Developer | Symbian Ltd. |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store configuration |
| Additional Functions | Parameter initialization |
| Features | Simple, Text-based |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Plain text |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Mobile Configuration | Yes |
| Application Settings | Yes |
| System Preferences | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Sensitive data exposure |
| Best Practices | Encrypt sensitive information, Restrict access |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1990s |
| Latest Version | Symbian OS 9.5 (2007) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .cfg, .conf, .txt |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Symbian OS |
N/A | Symbian OS |
| Text Editors |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 3: Finale Preferences File
An INI file initializes Windows program settings. The file has sections for preferences and settings. Strings in brackets delimit sections. Sections contain parameters with names and values. Typically...
General Information
| Title | INI File Extension |
| Extension | .ini |
| Full Form | Initialization File |
| File Type | Configuration File |
| Developer | Various |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store configuration |
| Additional Functions | Set preferences, parameters |
| Features | Text-based, Key-value pairs |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Plain text |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Software Configuration | Yes |
| Program Preferences | Yes |
| System Settings | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Sensitive data exposure |
| Best Practices | Access control, Encryption |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early Computing |
| Latest Version | Varies with software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .cfg, .conf, .txt |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| MakeMusic Finale |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
| Various Applications |
Varies | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Text Editors |
Free, Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 4: Gravis UltraSound Bank Setup File
INI file is configuration file used by Windows to initialize program settings. It has sections for settings and preferences delimited by square brackets. Each section contains parameters. INI files ca...
General Information
| Title | INI File Extension |
| Extension | .ini |
| Full Form | Gravis UltraSound Bank Setup File |
| File Type | Configuration File |
| Developer | Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store configuration |
| Additional Functions | Define settings, parameters |
| Features | Text-based, Key-value pairs |
File Characteristics
| Quality | N/A |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Sound card configuration | Yes |
| Game settings | Yes |
| Legacy computing | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Backup, Validate entries |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early 1990s |
| Latest Version | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .cfg, .conf, .txt |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Gravis UltraSound software |
Discontinued | DOS |
| DOSBox with Gravis support |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |