File Extension Database

Open KEY File

KEY file extension is most commonly used to denote a product or security key, and may be used to install an application or be created following registration of the software. Though less common, the KEY file extension may also relate to a keyboard definition file, which is used to store keyboard layouts for different languages, or a Keynote Presentation file produced in Apple Keynote, the equivalent of Microsoft PowerPoint on the Mac.

KEY files are required by the installation routine of some applications, and its contents are checked against registration information supplied by the user to determine whether or not the application is licensed for use. KEY files are also generated after installation or registration of some applications such as anti-virus software. These are often license keys, and may be used in conjunction with an auto update application to determine what updates should be downloaded and applied. Though KEY files are usually stored as text, their contents are often encrypted to prevent them being modified, and as such will appear as a string of unintelligible text. If If the file is in plain text format then you can open KEY file using any text editor.

KEY files are also used to store keyboard definitions which map keys to characters, with each language having its own definition. They may also store custom keyboard shortcuts, such as for use in applications.

The KEY file extension is also used by Apple Keynote, which is a presentation application similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. KEY files of this type are packages which store the contents of a presentation including slides, embedded media such as images or sounds, text, embedded objects and transition information.

KEY files containing license or registration information can only be used in conjunction with the application they are associated with, which may be identifiable by the location of the KEY file. Keyboard definition KEY files can be used by the operating system as well as applications which support shortcuts. You can open KEY files produced by Apple Keynote only using Apple Keynote on the Mac platform.

Typical KEY application file locations:

regedit.exe "%1"

Frequently associated Windows objects:

regfile

How Can I Open KEY File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open KEY file is to find a KEY file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a KEY file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open KEY file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as KEY file opener then try to search online for "KEY viewer", "application to open KEY file" or "open KEY file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open KEY file

How Can I Open KEY File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a KEY file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a KEY file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with KEY file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as KEY file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open KEY file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open KEY file then try to search for "KEY viewer", "application to open KEY file" or "read KEY file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read KEY file

How Can I Open KEY File on Android

If you downloaded a KEY file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded KEY file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "KEY".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "KEY viewer", "KEY file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open KEY File on iPhone or iPad

To open KEY File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the KEY file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "KEY". This way you can find apps which can open KEY files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "KEY viewer" or "KEY file" online in your favorite search engine.