# Generating a Config File for the Formatter Application

Generating a config file for the formatter application involves modifying the code formatter settings for a Java project and copying org.eclipse.jdt.core.prefs out of the .settings directory for that project.

1. Select a Java project, open the pop-up menu and choose Properties.
2. Select the Java Code Style > Formatter page and check Enable project specific settings.
3. Select or edit a profile as explained above.
4. Click OK when you are done.
5. Use either a file manager or the command line to copy `workspace/YourJavaProject/.settings/org.eclipse.jdt.core.prefs` to a new location.
6. If the files you want to format are using 1.5 constructs, you must add the following lines inside the preference file you just created:

   > `org.eclipse.jdt.core.compiler.compliance=1.5
   > org.eclipse.jdt.core.compiler.codegen.targetPlatform=1.5
   > org.eclipse.jdt.core.compiler.source=1.5
   > `

### Related references

Code formatter