How to read embedded resource text file

You can use the Assembly.GetManifestResourceStream Method:

  1. Add the following usings

    using System.IO;
    using System.Reflection;
    
  2. Set property of relevant file:
    Parameter Build Action with value Embedded Resource

  3. Use the following code

    var assembly = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly();
    var resourceName = "MyCompany.MyProduct.MyFile.txt";
    
    using (Stream stream = assembly.GetManifestResourceStream(resourceName))
    using (StreamReader reader = new StreamReader(stream))
    {
        string result = reader.ReadToEnd();
    }
    

    resourceName is the name of one of the resources embedded in assembly.
    For example, if you embed a text file named "MyFile.txt" that is placed in the root of a project with default namespace "MyCompany.MyProduct", then resourceName is "MyCompany.MyProduct.MyFile.txt".
    You can get a list of all resources in an assembly using the Assembly.GetManifestResourceNames Method.


A no brainer astute to get the resourceName from the file name only (by pass the namespace stuff):

string resourceName = assembly.GetManifestResourceNames()
  .Single(str => str.EndsWith("YourFileName.txt"));

A complete example:

public string ReadResource(string name)
{
    // Determine path
    var assembly = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly();
    string resourcePath = name;
    // Format: "{Namespace}.{Folder}.{filename}.{Extension}"
    if (!name.StartsWith(nameof(SignificantDrawerCompiler)))
    {
        resourcePath = assembly.GetManifestResourceNames()
            .Single(str => str.EndsWith(name));
    }

    using (Stream stream = assembly.GetManifestResourceStream(resourcePath))
    using (StreamReader reader = new StreamReader(stream))
    {
        return reader.ReadToEnd();
    }
}

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