How to use UTF-8 in resource properties with ResourceBundle

Question

I need to use UTF-8 in my resource properties using Java\'s ResourceBundle. When I enter the text directly into the properties file, it displays as mojibake.

Answer 1

Here's a Java 7 solution that uses Guava's excellent support library and the try-with-resources construct. It reads and writes properties files using UTF-8 for the simplest overall experience.

To read a properties file as UTF-8:

File file =  new File("/path/to/example.properties");

// Create an empty set of properties
Properties properties = new Properties();

if (file.exists()) {

  // Use a UTF-8 reader from Guava
  try (Reader reader = Files.newReader(file, Charsets.UTF_8)) {
    properties.load(reader);
  } catch (IOException e) {
    // Do something
  }
}

To write a properties file as UTF-8:

File file =  new File("/path/to/example.properties");

// Use a UTF-8 writer from Guava
try (Writer writer = Files.newWriter(file, Charsets.UTF_8)) {
  properties.store(writer, "Your title here");
  writer.flush();
} catch (IOException e) {
  // Do something
}