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.

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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"));

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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();
    }
}

You can add a file as a resource using two separate methods.

The C# code required to access the file is different, depending on the method used to add the file in the first place.

Method 1: Add existing file, set property to Embedded Resource

Add the file to your project, then set the type to Embedded Resource.

NOTE: If you add the file using this method, you can use GetManifestResourceStream to access it (see answer from @dtb).

Method 2: Add file to Resources.resx

Open up the Resources.resx file, use the dropdown box to add the file, set Access Modifier to public.

NOTE: If you add the file using this method, you can use Properties.Resources to access it (see answer from @Night Walker).