.VDF File Extension

A VDF file is a data file format used by Valve's Source game engine. It contains various kinds of game metadata, including data for resources, installation scripts, configuration scripts, and visualization elements.

VDF files can often be seen when installing games distributed through Valve's Steam game client, such as Half-Life 2 and Counter-Strike. The file features Valve's KeyValues format, which is a plain text format that saves key-value parameters in a tree hierarchy. The format is similar to JSON and YAML. While VDF files are meant to be used by the Valve Source game engine, you can open the files with a text editor to view the contents.

NOTE: You can view more information about Valve's KeyValues format on the KeyValues Wiki Page.

Data file used by AntiVir, an antivirus application for Windows; saves virus definitions, which contain signatures that are used for recognizing viruses on the computer system; often downloaded during software updates so the software can check for new viruses.

VDF files are saved to the AntiVir installation directory and have the filenames vbase000.vdf, vbase001.vdf, etc.

A VDF file is a plug-in used by VirtualDub, a video capture and processing utility for Windows. It is used to add additional editing features to VirtualDub. Some VDF files also allow VirtualDub to output video in additional video formats.

To use a VDF file with VirtualDub (Windows), either:

1. Place the file in VirtualDub's plugins folder. (If your VirtualDub installation does not include a plugins folder, create one in the program's main directory.)
2. Open VirtualDub, select Video → Filters... → Add... → Load..., and load your VDF file.

You can also use VDF files with VirtualDub2 (Windows) and VirtualDubMod (Windows), which are modified versions of VirtualDub.

Data file used by the Gothic video game series; contains worlds, characters, 3D models, textures, and sounds; Gothic II VDF files are stored in the /Gothic II/Data folder.

VDF files may be edited with GoMan or a hex-editor, but typically should not be altered. Incorrectly modifying VDF files may make them unusable.