What is an .IMPORT file?
An .IMPORT file is primarily a Godot Engine Import Settings File. Game developers use Godot Engine to create 2D and 3D games. When you add a new asset to a Godot project, the engine automatically creates an .IMPORT file next to it. This text file stores the metadata and configuration for the original asset. It tells Godot how to process and optimize the asset for the game.
How to open .IMPORT files?
Because .IMPORT files are simple text documents, you can open them with any standard text editor. Good examples include Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code. Normally, the Godot Engine reads these files automatically in the background. You do not usually need to open them manually.
Since file extensions can sometimes be shared by different programs, viewer.online/import can analyze .IMPORT files to identify the exact format and creator software, inspect the file structure, extract readable text, and check whether an online preview is available.
Software and tools
The primary software for these files is Godot Engine. For manual file inspection, use code editors like Visual Studio Code or command-line tools like `cat` or `less` on Linux and macOS. If you want to convert associated files to sensible target formats like JSON or XML, check convert.guru.
Best practices and troubleshooting
Do not delete .IMPORT files from your Godot project folders. If you delete them, Godot loses the specific settings for your assets and will re-import them with default settings. You should always commit .IMPORT files to version control systems like Git.
Summary
viewer.online/import is useful for identifying, inspecting, and understanding .IMPORT files without installing software or dealing with compatibility problems.