What is an RWS file?
An .RWS file can belong to several different software applications. The most common use is the RimWorld Game Save File created by Ludeon Studios. These files store player progress and world data using standard XML formatting.
Another major use is the RenderWare Stream game asset file. Game developers use the RenderWare engine by Criterion Software (now part of Electronic Arts) to store 3D models, textures, and audio. The .RWS file extension is also used as worksharing log files by Autodesk Revit, as worksession files in Rhinoceros 3D, and as audio streams in older games.
How to open RWS files?
How you open an .RWS file depends on the software that created it. You can open a RimWorld save file with any standard text editor, such as Windows Notepad or Notepad++, because it contains plain XML text.
If the file is a RenderWare asset, you need specific game modding tools or 3D software plugins. If the file is a CAD log, you should open it using Autodesk Revit or Rhinoceros 3D. Audio-based .RWS files might require audio players that support the Ogg format.
Best practices and troubleshooting
Always back up your .RWS file before making changes. If you edit a RimWorld Game Save File, a small typing error in the XML code can corrupt your game progress and prevent the save from loading.
Because the .RWS extension is shared by many different programs, you might see an error if you use the wrong software. If a text editor shows unreadable characters, the file is likely a binary game asset or an audio stream, not a text-based XML save file.
Software and tools
- RimWorld - Plays the game and creates XML game saves.
- Notepad++ - Edits XML-based save files and text logs.
- Autodesk Revit - Generates worksharing logs.
- Rhinoceros 3D - Manages CAD worksession files.
- GNU Aspell - Uses the extension for dictionary files.
Summary
Because .RWS has multiple possible meanings, we recommend viewer.online/rws to identify the actual format of your file. viewer.online/rws can analyze .RWS files to identify the exact format and creator software, inspect the file structure, extract readable text, and check whether an online preview is available. Ultimately, viewer.online/rws is highly useful for identifying, inspecting, and understanding .RWS files without installing software or dealing with compatibility problems.