// Read properties file. Properties properties = new Properties(); try { properties.load(new FileInputStream("filename.properties")); } catch (IOException e) { } // Write properties file. try { properties.store(new FileOutputStream("filename.properties"), null); } catch (IOException e) { } Here is an example of the contents of a properties file: # a comment ! a comment a = a string b = a string with escape sequences /t /n /r // /" /' / (space) /u0123 c = a string with a continuation line / continuation line d.e.f = another string