What Is the File Extension Skin?
SKIN files ("skins") change the appearance of a program's interface--how it appears on your computer monitor--without changing program functions. Similar to the themes that change the appearance of Microsoft Windows, SKIN files are used to customize programs the way you want them to look. Simple skins can change the interface color, while complex skins can change the icons, buttons and size of the interface.
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Identification
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SKIN files have the letters "skin" after the dot in the file name, as in "filename.skin." In Windows, they may be found in the "Program Files" folder under the programs that create or use them. Likely names for SKIN files are "setup.skin" or "default.skin."
InstallShield Skin File
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The InstallShield Skin Customization Kit, developed by Flexera Software, can create SKIN files for other programs. InstallShield is used to create installer scripts for numerous commercial programs. The utility within the InstallShield Suite is "CreateSkinFile.exe" and is used to open and create SKIN files. The Skin Customization Kit is included with InstallShield products.
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Microsoft Visual Studio File
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SKIN files are also created and used by Microsoft Visual Studio under the .NET (pronounced "dot net") Framework. The .NET Framework facilitates allowing different program languages to interact on the same computer. Microsoft Visual Studios is focused toward program developers.
NeoPlanet Browser Skin
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The SKIN extension is also used for NeoPlanet skin files. As of 2010, the NeoPlanet Browser had more than 500 skins. NeoPlanet is free for personal use and is compatible with Internet Explorer 5.5 and higher.
Considerations
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Deleting an unused SKIN file is usually safe, as long as it is not set as the present skin for a program. Deleting default skins or present skins may render the programs that use them unusable. Never delete SKIN files if you don't know their purpose. Never delete files in system folders.
Programs Supporting Skins
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Common programs support SKIN files using alternate file extensions. Some of these programs include: ABS (Avant Browser), ASK (Ad-Aware), BSZ (BS Player), CSK (Copernic 2001), MSKIN (Maxthon), OSF (Opera Browser), QSF (Quintessential Player), SKN (Windows Media Player for pocket PC), SZ (Winamp Media Player), YFS (Yahoo! Player), WMS (Windows Media Player) and WMZ (Windows Media Player). Some programs have built-in "skin builders" for designing your own custom skins.
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