File Extension Database

Open CNT File

CNT files are plain text files used by Microsoft Windows as helpers to HLP files that are help documents.

The CNT files store the themes of the HLP files and are installed automatically when the operating system is installed.

Although CNT files are installed by the OS, they can be created and edited using Microsoft Help Workshop, an older program for creating help documentation.

Currently the prevailing format for Windows Help is HTML, however old HLP and CNT files can be updated and converted using HTML Help Workshop.

There is a known vulnerability of CNT files that takes advantage of buffer overflow to exploit a malicious code execution on your computer, therefore unknown CNT files should not be opened.

How Can I Open CNT File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open CNT file is to find a CNT file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CNT file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open CNT file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as CNT file opener then try to search online for "CNT viewer", "application to open CNT file" or "open CNT file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open CNT file

How Can I Open CNT File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a CNT file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CNT file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with CNT file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as CNT file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open CNT file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open CNT file then try to search for "CNT viewer", "application to open CNT file" or "read CNT file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read CNT file

How Can I Open CNT File on Android

If you downloaded a CNT file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded CNT file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "CNT".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "CNT viewer", "CNT file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open CNT File on iPhone or iPad

To open CNT File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the CNT file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "CNT". This way you can find apps which can open CNT files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "CNT viewer" or "CNT file" online in your favorite search engine.