KEY files: what are they and how do I open them?
Are you facing difficulties opening unknown files on your computer, or wondering exactly what this file is?
We've got the information and best software solutions for opening these files effortlessly.
.key file type #1: Encryption key
Various .key files are typically utilized for storing data related to license keys. These files serve to confirm that the user possesses a legally acquired version of the software.
Further details:
Many .key files are used for various encrypted license or security files.
These files are often provided by a software manufacturer as proof of purchase and to unlock the full functionality of a software program.
Other types of .key files might be used to encrypt or decrypt data, ensuring that only those with the correct key file can access the sensitive or confidential information.
Open file with:
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
One of the more popular antivirus programs
Avira Premium Security Suite
A computer security software
.key file type #2: ArcView geocoding matching keys
Files with key file extension can also be found GIS files with geocoding matching keys data for ESRI ArcView.
Further details:
The key file extension is used by ESRI ArcView for files that contain geocoding matching keys in ODB format.
Probably some sort of specialized GIS file type for mapping purposes.
Open file with:
ArcGIS for Desktop Basic (ArcView)
A GIS application used to work with geographic data
ENVI
A software for processing and analyzing of geospatial images
.key file type #3: Avira AntiVir Personal license key
A key file extension is used for files that store license keys of Avira AntiVir program. Probably used to validate the copy of the program.
Further details:
The key file extension is associated with Avira AntiVir Personal, a reliable and free antivirus solution that protect computer against viruses, Trojan horses and other malicious software, developed by Avira.
The key file stores license keys obtained when a license is purchased.
Open file with:
Avira AntiVir Personal
A free antivirus for computer prorection
.key file type #4: BioWare Infinity and Aurora game engine resource data
A key file stores central reference point to locate files required by the game based on BioWare Infinity or Aurora engine.
Further details:
The key file extension is also used in Bioware's Infinity and Aurora game engines for files that hold some resource data (central reference point to locate files required by the game).
Used in such successful titles as Baldur's Gate or Neverwinter Nights.
Open file with:
Baldur's Gate
Famous computer role-playing game from BioWare
.key file type #5: DataCAD custom toolbar file
Files with key extension are used by the DataCAD application. They are used as a customization files.
Further details:
The key file extension is also used by DataCAD 3D CAD software.
A *.key file used in this program contains customized toolbar that can be imported to the program. Old file format replaced by DTB format in latest versions of DataCAD.
Open file with:
DataCAD
A professional-level A/E/C 3D software
.key file type #6: iWork Keynote '09 presentation
Files with key extension can be often found as presentations saved in latest versions of Apple (iWork) Keynote, a professional presentation tool for Mac OS X, macOS and iOS.
Further details:
File extension key is also used in Keynote, a presentation software application developed as a part of the iWork productivity suite (which also includes Pages and Numbers applications) by Apple Inc.
The Keynote Presentation is XML based and may contain basic text documents or elaborated multi-page brochures, including images, special texts, tables, graphs, charts and more. be created from a blank page or based on saved template.
A .key file from Keynote is essentially compressed ZIP archive that contains a the main presentation document, previews and some metadata.
Previous versions of iWork Keynote used the keynote file extension instead.
Open file with:
Keynote for Mac
The most popular presentation software for Mac
Keynote for iOS
Presentation software for iOS operating system, developed by Apple
.key file type #7: Keyboard definition file
Files with key extension can be also quite often found as various settings that contain keyboard layouts, keybinds or other data.
Further details:
File extension key is sometimes used for settings files that contains saved keyboard layouts, shortcuts, keybinds or other configuration data for keyboards. Such formats are frequently used in computer games.
Open file with:
SmartWare
A programming platform
Delta Force
A tactical first-person shooter computer game
Diablo II
Legendary dark fantasy hack and slash action computer game
.key file type #8: Microsoft Windows 7 registry key file
Files with key file extension can also be found as registry entries for o Microsoft Windows operating system.
Further details:
The key file extension is used in Windows 7 much like REG format in previous versions of Windows. It is a file that contains registry information.
You can simply add the registry entry with double clicking on the .key file. You can also view and read the content in any text editor.
Be careful when handling registry file, they might contain malicious code or otherwise corrupt your computer. Always be sure to install registry entries from reliable sources.
Open file with:
Microsoft Windows 7
One of the newer members of Windows OS family
Windows Registry Editor
Registry viewer and editor for Windows
.key file type #9: OS/2 archive key
A key file extension is related to the IBM OS/2 operating system and used for its archive key files.
Further details:
The key file extension is associated with OS/2, an operating system for IBM-PC compatible computers. The .key file stores archive key.
The IBM OS/2 operating system was discontinued and replaced by eComStation (eCS).
Open file with:
OS/2
An older computer operating system developed by IBM for PCs