Visual C++ project rules
File type: Source code and script file
A .rule file is an XML file associated with Visual C++. It stores custom rules for building a Visual C++ project.
The rules define how particular files or build steps are processed and incorporated into the project build.
File type category:
Source code and script file
Date updated: October 22, 2026
The .rule file format is used by Microsoft Visual C++ to define custom build rules. The file contains XML data that describes how Visual C++ should process specified inputs during a project build.
A rule file works as part of a Visual C++ project rather than as a standalone source or document file. It enables project developers to add build steps that are not provided by the standard project configuration.
Visual C++ runs on Microsoft Windows. The file is intended for Visual C++ project development and is not a general-purpose XML exchange format.
Open the .rule file with Visual C++ on Microsoft Windows, normally in the context of the project that uses it. Visual C++ can use the file when configuring or running the project's build rules.
Because the file is XML, a text editor can display its contents, but it will not apply the rules or build the project.
Conversion to another format is not generally possible or useful. A .rule file contains XML that describes Visual C++ build behavior, so converting it to a different format would not preserve that behavior.
To use the rules with another build system, recreate the relevant build steps manually in that system.
Software applications that can open rule files:
Microsoft Windows
Software applications that can edit rule files:
Microsoft Windows
Software capable of saving rule files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that create rule files:
Microsoft Windows
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