ACF File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .acf
Full Name Steam Application Cache File
Developer Valve Corporation
File Category Game Files
Primary Association Steam Games
Data Format Binary
Usage Storing Game Metadata and Content Information
Location on Windows C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamapps
Location on MacOS ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/
Location on Linux ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/
Editable Yes, with caution
MIME Type application/x-steam-acf
Encryption Not Encrypted
Compression Not Compressed
Can be Backed up Yes
Text Readable Partially, binary format with readable sections
Interoperability Exclusive to Steam Platform
Primary Function Store installation and update data for Steam applications
File Creation Automatically created by Steam during game download/installation
Recovery Possible through Steam client
Common Problems File corruption leading to download errors