ARSC File Extension

What is ARSC file?

ARSC is an Android application resource file. ARSC files are used by developers to store additional application resources. ARSC resource files contain static data, that is data that is not changed during application running process. ARSC files can contain images, text, numerical values, or binary data. Source code and with resource files are used during of an executable file or installer compilation process which results in an APK file. Created APK file can then be used to install given application on the device.

What are resource files used for?

All software development environment tools use some kind of resource files, but only Android uses ARSC resource file format. Resource files cannot be recovered from a compiled file. Resource files provide safe data storage limited to just one or few files. Resource files are designed to be accessed anywhere from given project – resources can be referenced anywhere in the source code. Such solution allows the codebase to be modified without changing every line where given resource is referenced.

Programs which support ARSC file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support ARSC files. ARSC files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 02/19/2024

How to open file with ARSC extension?

Problems with accessing ARSC may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with ARSC files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ARSC files.

Step 1. Get the Google Android SDK Tools

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ARSC files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Google Android SDK Tools or one to the listed programs: Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, Google Android SDK. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Google Android SDK Tools installed is by going to developer’s website (Google Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Google Android SDK Tools

If you already have Google Android SDK Tools installed on your systems and ARSC files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Google Android SDK Tools cannot handle files with ARSC may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Google Android SDK Tools.

Step 3. Assign Google Android SDK Tools to ARSC files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ARSC files with latest version of Google Android SDK Tools you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the ARSC with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Google Android SDK Tools is installed, check the Always use this app to open ARSC files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ARSC file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Google Android SDK Tools and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with ARSC extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the ARSC is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper ARSC file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the ARSC in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ARSC file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. ARSC file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the ARSC file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic ARSC file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with ARSC extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Google Android SDK Tools

If the systems has insufficient resources to open ARSC files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Google Android Resource Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle ARSC files.

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