ARSC File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File format name Android Resource File
Extension .arsc
MIME Type application/octet-stream
Primary use Storing compiled resources for Android apps
File content Binary
Can be created by Android SDK Tools
Location in APK /resources.arsc
Resource Types Strings, Images, Layouts, etc.
Compression Optional
Accessed by Android Runtime
Editable No, compiled binary format
Encryption Not inherently, but APK could be
Purpose Efficiency in resource access at run-time
Organization Hierarchical structure for resource packaging
Compile tool aapt (Android Asset Packaging Tool)
Decompile tool Various third-party tools
Integration with APK Essential for app functionality
Platform Android
Versioning Linked to Android app versioning
Manual Editing Not recommended/typically not possible
Part of Android App Development