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.HLP·File Extension

HLP Data & Text — A .hlp file is a HLP Data & Text. It is a text-based data format widely used for configuration files, data interchange and API payloads.

Data & Textapplication/winhlp

Quick facts

Extension.hlp

File typeHLP Data & Text

MIME typeapplication/winhlp

CategoryData & Text

Charset—

Compressible—

What is .hlp

What is a .hlp file?

A .hlp file is a HLP Data & Text. It is a text-based data format widely used for configuration files, data interchange and API payloads.

In the mime-db registry it maps to application/winhlp. When serving .hlp over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to application/winhlp — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

How to open .hlp files

Use VS Code or Notepad++ to open and edit .hlp files.
Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

Developer info

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: application/winhlp

Common software that reads/writes .hlp:

VS CodeNotepad++Sublime Textjq

Relation chain

.hlpextension of

format

HLP Data & Textserved as

mime type

application/winhlpsent via header

http header

Related extensions

Related MIME types

Common uses

Configuration files
Data interchange between systems
API request and response payloads
Logs and data exports

How to edit .hlp files

Open the file with VS Code, make your changes and save.
Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.

How to create .hlp files

Create a new file and save it with the .hlp extension, or export this format from VS Code.

Frequently asked questions

What programs can open .hlp files?

Common options include VS Code, Notepad++, Sublime Text. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .hlp file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .hlp extension.

What is the relationship between .hlp and the application/winhlp MIME type?

application/winhlp is the media type identifier used for .hlp files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Sources & standards

Updated 2026-09-13

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