lookup> .yml

.YML·File Extension

YAML DocumentAlias extension for YAML documents.

Data & Texttext/yamlCompressible
Extension.yml
File typeYAML Document
MIME typetext/yaml
CategoryData & Text
Charset
CompressibleYes
Format familyyaml

What is a .yml file?

A .yml file is a YAML Document — Alias extension for YAML documents.

In the mime-db registry it maps to text/yaml, and it is marked as compressible. When serving .yml over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to text/yaml and is used by MiniYAML, OASv2-yaml among others — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

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

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

Content-Type: text/yaml

Common software that reads/writes .yml:

VS CodePython
.ymlextension of
format
yamlserved as
mime type
text/yamlsent via header
http header
  • Configuration files
  • Data interchange between systems
  • API request and response payloads
  • Logs and data exports
  • Open the file with VS Code, make your changes and save.
  • Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.
  • Create a new file and save it with the .yml extension, or export this format from VS Code.

What programs can open .yml files?

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

How do I create a .yml file?

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

What is the relationship between .yml and the text/yaml MIME type?

text/yaml is the media type identifier used for .yml files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Updated 2026-08-18

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