Manifest Files Explained

What Are Manifest Files?

Steam manifest files (also known as .acf files) are configuration files that Steam uses to track installed games and their properties. These files contain important information about each game in your Steam library, including installation paths, game IDs, and metadata.

Manifest File Structure

Manifest files are stored in Steam's userdata directory and follow a specific format. Each file is named using the AppID of the game (e.g., "appmanifest_123456.acf").

A typical manifest file contains:

• AppID - The unique identifier for the game
• Name - The display name of the game
• StateFlags - Current state of the game installation
• InstallDir - Directory where the game is installed
• SizeOnDisk - Total size of the game files

How SteamTools Uses Manifest Files

SteamTools can create and modify manifest files to add non-Steam games to your library. When you add a game using SteamTools, it creates a manifest file that tells Steam about the game, allowing it to appear in your library and use Steam features.

Manifest File Location

Manifest files are typically located in:

Steam\steamapps\appmanifest_[AppID].acf

The exact path depends on your Steam installation directory and user account.

Editing Manifest Files

While you can manually edit manifest files, it's recommended to use SteamTools for this purpose. Manual editing can lead to errors and may cause issues with Steam. SteamTools handles the creation and modification of manifest files safely and correctly.

Backing Up Manifest Files

It's a good practice to backup your manifest files, especially if you've added many games using SteamTools. This allows you to restore your library configuration if needed.

• Backup the entire steamapps folder
• Keep backups before major Steam updates
• Store backups in a safe location

Troubleshooting Manifest Issues

If you encounter issues with games added via SteamTools:

• Verify the manifest file exists and is correctly formatted
• Check that the installation path in the manifest is correct
• Ensure the AppID matches the intended game
• Try removing and re-adding the game using SteamTools