What is the WTF file format?
.wtf is a plain-text configuration file format developed by Blizzard Entertainment for the World of Warcraft computer game. .wtf files store game configuration information as console-variable (CVar) assignments. Each line uses the syntax SET <variable> "<value>" - for example, SET gxApi "D3D12". Errors in .wtf files may prevent the game from launching. All .wtf files are saved in the WTF subfolder inside the game's installation directory; the folder name itself stands for *WoW Text File*.
Realmlist.wtf
The Realmlist.wtf file historically stored the address of the server on which the player's account was registered. By modifying this file, a user can connect to a private WoW server. Retail World of Warcraft no longer requires Realmlist.wtf; it is now relevant mainly to private-server clients.
Config.wtf and Config-cache.wtf
Config.wtf influences settings for all servers and accounts. By definition this file contains general game configuration settings - for example, resolution and graphics options. Config-cache.wtf holds settings for a specific character and server. The game is not strictly rigid about which settings appear in which of the two files. The WoW client rewrites Config.wtf automatically when you change settings and exit, so manual edits can be overwritten.
Per-character saved variables from addons are stored as .lua files inside the WTF/Account/ folder tree and are not .wtf files themselves.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWConfig.wtf and Realmlist.wtf are plain text and run no code, so they're inert. The real cautions are practical: WoW rewrites Config.wtf on exit (edit only with the game closed), and a typo can prevent the game from launching - keep a backup. The biggest risk is social: private-server guides telling you to edit Realmlist.wtf may also push modified/cracked clients that can carry malware - only get the WoW client from Blizzard's Battle.net, and treat third-party 'launchers' with suspicion.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open WTF files
Windows3 apps
World of Warcraft
Freemium The game itself reads/writes Config.wtf - change settings in-game and they're saved here. Edit the file directly only with WoW closed. 
Notepad / Notepad++
Free Open Config.wtf or Realmlist.wtf as plain text to read or edit; save with WoW closed. Keep a backup first. 
macOS2 apps
World of Warcraft
Freemium Game reads/writes Config.wtf in the WoW app folder; edit externally only when WoW is quit.
TextEdit / BBEdit / VS Code
Free Open the .wtf as plain text (in TextEdit use Format > Make Plain Text). Back it up before editing. Technical details
deep spec| File type | Plain-text console-variable (CVar) configuration file |
| MIME type | text/plain |
| Character encoding | UTF-8 / ASCII |
| Line syntax | SET <cvar> "<value>" - one CVar assignment per line; Realmlist.wtf uses a single 'set realmlist <address>' line |
| File signature / magic bytes | No fixed binary signature - plain text identified by SET command lines and placement inside the WTF installation folder |
| Typical file size | 1-20 KB for Config.wtf; Realmlist.wtf is typically a single line |
| Supported operating systems | Windows, macOS |
| Storage location | WTF subfolder of the World of Warcraft installation directory |
| Client write behaviour | WoW rewrites Config.wtf automatically on clean game exit; manual edits may be overwritten |
| CVar scope | Config.wtf stores global settings (all realms and accounts); Config-cache.wtf holds realm- and character-specific overrides |
| Notable named files | Config.wtf (global client settings), Config-cache.wtf (per-server/character settings), Realmlist.wtf (legacy server address) |
| Folder name meaning | WTF stands for WoW Text File - the name of the WTF folder present in every WoW installation |
| Per-character add-on data | Saved variables from add-ons are stored as .lua files under WTF/Account/; they are not .wtf files |
| Private-server use | Editing 'set realmlist' in Realmlist.wtf redirects the client to a non-Blizzard server; retail WoW ignores this file |
| Released | 2004 (World of Warcraft launch) |
| Latest version | Tracks the current WoW client; format (SET key "value" lines) unchanged for years |
WTF conversions
Community Q&A
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