QUICK ANSWER Where is the Stardew Valley save file location?
On Windows, the usual Stardew Valley save file location is %appdata%\StardewValley\Saves. On macOS, use ~/Library/Application Support/StardewValley/Saves. On Linux, use ~/.config/StardewValley/Saves. Each farm normally has its own folder containing the main save file and a SaveGameInfo companion file.
Close the game before copying anything. Keep the complete farm folder together, store an untouched backup outside the live Saves directory and choose the main file whose name matches the farm folder when you open the browser editor.
PLATFORM PATHS Stardew Valley save file locations by platform
| Platform | Common path | What to check |
|---|
| Windows | %appdata%\StardewValley\Saves | Use Win + R or paste the path into File Explorer. |
| macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/StardewValley/Saves | Use Finder's Go to Folder command if Library is hidden. |
| Linux | ~/.config/StardewValley/Saves | Show hidden files if the .config directory is not visible. |
| Android / iOS | Device-specific export | Export a readable save first; protected app storage and cloud saves vary. |
Main save file versus SaveGameInfo
A farm folder commonly contains the main save file and a smaller SaveGameInfo file. The main file contains the farm data used by the editor. SaveGameInfo helps the game and menus show farm information, but it is not the file to choose for the normal editing workflow.
If a file picker hides files without extensions, change the view to show filenames and select the file whose name matches the farm folder. Do not rename the file just to add .xml. Preserve the original filename when you download an edited copy.
BEFORE YOU EDIT Make a copy before opening the Stardew Valley save editor
Close the game first so it is not writing to the same farm while you copy files. Duplicate the whole farm folder and store the original somewhere outside your Downloads folder. A manual copy gives you a recovery path if a save fails validation, an edited value creates an unexpected state or the browser closes before you download the result.
When you are ready, open the Stardew Valley save editor or use a focused inventory or character editor page. The tool targets supported Stardew Valley 1.6 data; older versions, console exports and heavily modded saves should be treated as unverified until tested on a copy.
PLATFORM WALKTHROUGH How to find the save file on Windows, Mac and Linux
On Windows, close the game and press Win + R. Paste %appdata%\StardewValley\Saves into the Run box and press Enter. The folder contains one folder for each farm saved on the computer. If File Explorer does not show the full path, click the address bar and paste it there instead. Do not search only for SaveGameInfo.
On macOS, open Finder and choose Go, then Go to Folder. Enter ~/Library/Application Support/StardewValley/Saves. On Linux, open ~/.config/StardewValley/Saves and enable hidden files if your file manager hides directories that begin with a dot.
Android and iOS do not offer one universal visible path for every version or store installation. You may need to export the farm through the device's file manager, a supported game option or a platform backup workflow before the browser can read it.
PATH TROUBLESHOOTING Why the Stardew Valley save file location may look empty
An empty folder does not always mean the farm disappeared. The game may have been installed under a different user account, the save may belong to another platform, hidden folders may be disabled or the game may not have created a farm on that device yet. Check that you are looking at the same account that launches the game.
A farm folder normally contains a main file whose name matches the folder plus SaveGameInfo. Keep both when you make a backup. The main file may not have a familiar extension, so turn on filename visibility rather than adding .xml by hand.
Cloud synchronization can also make the newest copy unclear. Let the platform finish syncing, compare modification times and make a manual copy outside the live Saves folder. Keep every original folder until the test is complete.
MOVE OR RESTORE How to move or restore a save from its file location
To move a farm between two desktop computers, close the game and copy the complete farm folder from the original Saves directory. Include the main file and SaveGameInfo, keep the folder name unchanged and paste the copy into the matching Saves path on the other computer. If the destination already has a farm with the same name, rename the backup outside the live directory rather than overwriting it.
To restore a farm after an unsuccessful edit, close Stardew Valley, move the edited file out of the active folder and put the untouched backup back into the same location. Preserve the original filename and make sure the companion file stays with the farm folder.
The save location is only the first part of a safe workflow. File access, game version and XML compatibility still matter. Once you have a readable copy, open the safe editing guide for the import, change, download and test sequence.
NEXT STEP What to do after finding the save file location
Open the editorImport the main save file from a copied farm folder.
Choose an editor areaUse inventory, character or the full navigation for the supported value you need.
Test the resultDownload a copy, preserve its filename and load it before replacing the original.
If the browser reports an invalid file, stop and return to the backup. Do not rename an archive or a protected mobile export and assume that it is a normal Stardew Valley save. Confirm the format first.
RELATED GUIDANCE Continue with the right guide
FAQ Stardew Valley save file location FAQ
Where are Stardew Valley saves located on Windows?
The usual Windows folder is %appdata%\StardewValley\Saves. Paste that path into File Explorer's address bar, then open the folder named after your farm.
Which Stardew Valley save file should I edit?
Choose the main file inside the farm folder, usually the file with the farm name and no extension. SaveGameInfo is a companion file and is not the main farm data file for this editor workflow.
Where are Stardew Valley saves on Mac?
The common macOS location is ~/Library/Application Support/StardewValley/Saves. The Library folder may be hidden, so use Finder's Go to Folder command if needed.
Can I use a mobile save file with this editor?
Only when you can export a compatible save file that the browser can read. Mobile app storage and cloud-save access vary, so this site does not promise automatic mobile extraction or conversion.
How do I find the Stardew Valley save file location quickly?
On Windows, use Win + R and paste %appdata%\StardewValley\Saves. On macOS or Linux, open the platform path shown in the table, then identify the farm folder and its main file.
Can I move a Stardew Valley save to another computer?
Copy the complete farm folder, including the main save and SaveGameInfo, to the matching Saves directory on the other computer. Keep an original backup and test the copied farm before editing it.
This is an independent community project. It is not affiliated with ConcernedApe or Stardew Valley. Always keep a manual backup of your save.
