Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.CMAKE
File Type
CMake Script File
Category
Programming
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .cmake file format
CMake is an open-source, cross-platform family of tools designed to build, test, and package software. The .cmake file extension is primarily used for CMake script files and modules that contain instructions for the CMake build system. These files are written in the CMake language and are used to d…
File extension
.CMAKE
File type
CMake Script File
Category
Programming
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .cmake file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .cmake.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .cmake file?
File extension details and usage information
CMake is an open-source, cross-platform family of tools designed to build, test, and package software. The .cmake file extension is primarily used for CMake script files and modules that contain instructions for the CMake build system. These files are written in the CMake language and are used to define build processes in a compiler-independent manner. They often contain macros, functions, and logic to find dependencies, configure header files, and manage complex build configurations across different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Unlike the main CMakeLists.txt file which defines the project structure, .cmake files are typically used for modularizing build logic, such as finding specific libraries or setting up specific toolchain configurations. They allow developers to maintain a clean and organized build system by separating platform-specific or library-specific logic into reusable script components. Because they are plain text files, they can be edited in any standard text editor, though integrated development environments provide syntax highlighting and debugging tools specifically for the CMake language.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .cmake files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .cmake files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .cmake file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .cmake file.
Why can't I open a .cmake file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .cmake format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .cmake files
To open a .cmake file, use software that supports this file format.
- Visual Studio
- Visual Studio Code
- CLion
- Notepad++
- CMake GUI
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .cmake file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.