A URL file is a shortcut file referenced by web browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE), Apple Safari, and Google Chrome. It contains a web URL and may also store a reference to the favicon.ico icon file, which is displayed as the icon for the shortcut file.

URL files open an Internet location, such as a web address, in the user's default browser. Usually the shortcut location can be viewed by opening the file in a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad or Apple TextEdit. To create a URL file in Windows, simply drag the URL address from your browser window onto your desktop. It will create a URL file that will open the address when double-clicked. If you drag the URL address to your desktop on a Mac, it will create a .WEBLOC file instead. Here is an example of data contained in a URL file: [{000214A0-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}] Prop3=19,2 [InternetShortcut] URL=[URL Address] IDList= NOTE: Microsoft Windows does not display the ".url" file extension even though it exists in the filename. Therefore, URL files saved using Windows web browsers will appear with only the filename prefix.