RC File Extension

RC file icon

Resource Script

What is a RC file?

The RC extension is related to Resource Script and is classified in the Developer Files category, which contains 1166 files.

The Resource Script (RC) was created by Microsoft, a company that developed file format and produced 242 programs for their use.

RC files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to open a RC file, you can use one of 9 programs, such as RAD Studio, Microsoft Visual Studio and Notepad++.

How to open a RC file?

If you’re having difficulty opening a RC file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.

RAD Studio, Microsoft Visual Studio and Notepad++ are among the most widely used programs for handling RC files. To set up the newest version of RAD Studio on your device, simply go to the official Embarcadero website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.

Once the process is complete, RAD Studio should take over as the default application for RC files.

Make RAD Studio the default RC viewer

Change the default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired RC file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
  4. Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for RAD Studio. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Change default programs in Windows

  1. Start by right-clicking on your RC file, then select "Open With" and continue by clicking "Choose another app" from the options provided;
  2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose RAD Studio as the application to associate with your RC file;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

Finding answers to RC file problems

Rest assured, any issues with RC files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.

What are the steps to repair a damaged RC file?

Open the damaged RC file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair operation. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged developer files.

What are the methods to detect if my RC file has been corrupted?

The signs of corrupted RC developer files can manifest as:

  • Unexplained RC file size inflation;
  • RAD Studio or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
  • When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
  • While working with the file, error alerts are encountered;
  • The file shows slow performance when edited in Microsoft Visual Studio;

What are the reasons behind RAD Studio crash?

Insufficient software updates can contribute to RAD Studio crash. To avoid this, make sure that you have installed the latest updates for Embarcadero products.

A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.

How to edit a RC file?

To modify RC files, it is necessary to install dedicated software that lets you open and edit developer files. Online RC editors generally offer fewer tools compared to programs designed for Resource Script.

Best RC Editor Software in 2026

Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of RC editors you can use.

RC Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
Notepad++Notepad++ TeamWindows4.8 out of 5 (43 reviews)
Microsoft Visual StudioMicrosoftWindows, Mac OS, Linux4.7 out of 5 (40 reviews)
PowerBASICPowerBASICWindows4.7 out of 5 (41 review)
C++ BuilderEmbarcaderoWindows4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews)
Atom-Windows, Mac OS, Linux4.5 out of 5 (41 review)
RAD StudioEmbarcaderoWindows4.5 out of 5 (46 reviews)
Sublime TextSublime HQ PtyWindows, Mac OS, Linux4.4 out of 5 (46 reviews)
Resource WorkshopMicro FocusWindows4.3 out of 5 (45 reviews)
PSPadJan FialaWindows4.2 out of 5 (45 reviews)