Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.TARGETS
File Type
MSBuild Targets File
Category
Programming
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .targets file format
An MSBuild Targets file, bearing the .targets extension, is an XML-based configuration file used by the Microsoft Build Engine (MSBuild), which is the build platform for Microsoft Visual Studio and the .NET ecosystem. These files contain build instructions, tasks, target definitions, and properties…
File extension
.TARGETS
File type
MSBuild Targets File
Category
Programming
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .targets file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .targets.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .targets file?
File extension details and usage information
An MSBuild Targets file, bearing the .targets extension, is an XML-based configuration file used by the Microsoft Build Engine (MSBuild), which is the build platform for Microsoft Visual Studio and the .NET ecosystem. These files contain build instructions, tasks, target definitions, and properties that dictate how a software project should be compiled, packaged, and deployed. By using .targets files, developers can modularize and reuse build logic across multiple projects. Instead of duplicating complex build steps in every individual project file (such as .csproj or .vbproj), common build processes are defined once in a .targets file and imported where needed. Because they are structured in standard XML, they can be opened and edited with any text editor, though IDEs like Visual Studio provide advanced schema validation, syntax highlighting, and autocomplete.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .targets files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .targets files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .targets 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 .targets file.
Why can't I open a .targets file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .targets 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 .targets files
To open a .targets file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Visual Studio Code
- Notepad++
- Microsoft Build Engine (MSBuild)
- .NET SDK (dotnet CLI)
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 .targets 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.