MAKEFILE File Extension
Makefile
- File Type makefile
- Popularity
- Application Notepad++
- Category Developer Files
- Format Text
What is a MAKEFILE file?
The MAKEFILE extension is related to Makefile and is classified in the Developer Files category, which contains 1166 files.
MAKEFILE files are supported by Windows, Linux and Mac OS. When working with MAKEFILE files, you can rely on 5 programs, including Visual Studio Code, Notepad++ and Sublime Text.
Programs that support MAKEFILE files
How to open a MAKEFILE file?
If you can’t open a MAKEFILE file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
Visual Studio Code, Notepad++ and Sublime Text stand out as the preferred programs to manage MAKEFILE files effectively. To get the latest version of Notepad++, open the Notepad++ Team website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
When you finish installing Notepad++, the system will automatically launch MAKEFILE files with it.
Set Notepad++ to open MAKEFILE by default
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired MAKEFILE file to access the file’s context menu;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for Notepad++. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Set default programs for Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your MAKEFILE file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- Find the Notepad++ application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
- Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening MAKEFILE files.
Easy MAKEFILE Troubleshooting
When facing challenges with MAKEFILE files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.
How do I know if my MAKEFILE file has been damaged?
MAKEFILE developer files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Visual Studio Code;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained MAKEFILE file size inflation;
- Notepad++ or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
Why does Notepad++ quit or crash unexpectedly?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind Notepad++ crash. Keep your Notepad++ Team products up to date by installing the latest updates.
Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged MAKEFILE file?
In a data recovery program, open the damaged MAKEFILE file and select the "Repair" menu option. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged developer files.
How to edit a MAKEFILE file?
To make changes to MAKEFILE files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the developer files. Online MAKEFILE editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Makefile.
Best MAKEFILE Editor Software in 2026
After analyzing the criteria, we have created a list of MAKEFILE editors available for use.
| MAKEFILE Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSPad | Jan Fiala | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Visual Studio Code | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.7 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| Notepad++ | Notepad++ Team | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Sublime Text | Sublime HQ Pty | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Atom | - | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.1 out of 5 (36 reviews) |