Opening a KEY File

The KEY file type is primarily associated with Keynote.

KEYFile Extension KEY
File extension: KEY
File type:  presentation file

What is a KEY file?

KEY files mostly belong to Keynote by Apple Inc. KEY file extension is used to save data files in the Keynote application developed by Apple as a part of its office application suite iWork.

  • Main Use: Apple Keynote application is developed for macOS and iOS platforms. It uses the KEY file to save presentations. The KEY presentation files can consist of a collection of text, pictures, charts, tables, graphics, audio, video, transitions, notes along with the XML data that is needed for playing the presentation. Although KEY files can only be directly opened on devices running on macOS/iOS operating systems, Apple also offers the Keynote software on its browser-based platform called iCloud. KEY presentation files can be accessed via any internet browser on Windows, Linux machines using iCloud.
  • Other Uses: KEY file extension is also commonly used by multiple software to store license key information. It is used for successfully authenticating the paid versions of the software. The data in the file generally consists of plain text, but the license key information within is encrypted. Since many software use the KEY file extension to store license data, it is necessary to know the details of the software, the KEY file is actually linked so as to avoid incompatibility issues.

How to open a KEY file

You need a suitable software like Keynote to open a KEY file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your KEY file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a KEY file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online KEY File Viewer

Choose your .key file to view

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How to convert KEY files to PDF, HTML, DOCX, JPG, ...

If you want to convert or edit a KEY file, you can use our free Online KEY File Converter (powered by Convert.Guru):
  1. To do so, click the "Choose your .key file to view" button above.
  2. Your KEY file will then be displayed in the browser.
  3. Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
  4. Select the office format (e.g. PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, ODF, HTML, JPG, ...) you want.
  5. Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert KEY files:

  1. Keynote by Apple Inc.
    See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. KEY files are often referred to as Keynote page layouts because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
  2. AntiVir PersonalEdition (license key file) by Avira GmbH
    AntiVir PersonalEditione is a security program that protects the user's computer from viruses, worms, trojans, spam, spyware, and general malware. Additionally, this security software offers an inclusive VPN in order to anonymize and secure the user's online activity. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the software. This file format is classified as Data.
  3. ArcView (geocoding matching keys file) by ESRI
    ArcView is a newly optimized and widely used GIS (Geographic Information System), which is utilized for visualizing, analyzing, and creating vast geographical models which can analyze trends, relationships, and reveal patterns. The KEY file contains geocoding matching keys in ODB format that are utilized by ArcView to aid in mapping. This file format is classified as GIS. Related links: ArcView FAQ
  4. Aurora Engine (resource file) by BioWare Corp.
    Aurora Engine was the successor to the Infinity Engine created by BioWare, where this new engine featured full 3D environments, real-time lighting and shadows, and surround sound audio. Through this, BioWare utilized the Aurora Engine to produce Neverwinter Nights. The KEY files hold the resource data utilized within Neverwinter Nights, however, are also files within BIF folders. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: BioWare Wikipedia
  5. Avira Security Suite (product key file) by Avira GmbH
    Avira Security Suite is a security program that protects the user's computer from viruses, worms, trojans, spam, spyware, and general malware. Additionally, this security software offers an inclusive VPN in order to anonymize and secure the user's online activity. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the software. This file format is classified as Data.
  6. Business Key (accounting file) by Universal Systems
    Business Key is an integrated financial management system that holds full support for multitasking and simultaneous operations, designed for Windows systems. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the software. This file format is classified as Simple text file.
  7. DataCAD (icon toolbar file) by DATACAD LLC
    DataCAD is a professional-level computer-aided design program primarily created for architectural design, photo-realistic rendering, and construction document creation. The KEY file within this program contains a user-customized toolbar that can be imported into the program and transferred between users. Users are able to then create their own toolbar, or subsequently use those that others have created. This file format is classified as CAD.
  8. Diablo II (key file) by Blizzard Entertainment
    Diablo II is an action role-playing computer video game developed by Blizzard North and published by Bilzzard Entertainment for Windows and Mac OS. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the game. This file format is classified as Encoded.
  9. Forecast Pro (data file) by Forecast Pro
    Forecast Pro is a fast, easy, and accurate forecasting software for business professionals looking to save money and also improve their current forecast plans. Additionally, Forecast Pro is able to generate customizable reports and graphs in order to create convincing presentations and pitches. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the software. This file format is classified as Data.
  10. FractInt (demo script) by Stone Soup Group
    FractInt was a computer program that was utilized to render and display many kinds of fractals (images that appear the same at different levels). Initially, FractInt originated on MS-DOS systems, however, slowly began to transition to Linux and Macintosh systems, where it was known as the definitive fractal generating tool. However, it is not clear as to how FractInt utilized KEY files. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Information on fractals
  11. Infinity Engine (directory file) by BioWare Corp.
    Infinity Game Engine was created by BioWare to use it as a core component for the development of 2D role-playing games. The KEY files hold the resource data utilized within some of BioWare games such as Baldur's Gate, where they act as the central reference point to locate files required by the game. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: BioWare Wikipedia
  12. Kaspersky Anti-Virus (product key file) by Kaspersky Labs
    Kaspersky Anti-Virus is an anti-virus software that is designed to protect users from malware, viruses, ransomware, spyware, and much more. The program is primarily designed to run on Windows and Mac OS computers, however, a Linux version is available to businesses. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the software. This file format is classified as Data.
  13. LightWave 3D (license file) by NewTek
    LightWave 3D is a program used for rendering 3D images, both animated and static, through a fast rendering engine that supports many high complexity features. LightWave 3D has been used within films, motion graphics, visual effects, architectural design, advertising, and much more. The KEY file is a software registration file that stores the 16-digit license key that allows users to download and install the program. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: LightWave 3D wikipedia
  14. National Construction Estimator (costbook key file) by Craftsman Book Company
    National Construction Estimator is a software that estimates the total building costs for residential, commercial, and industrial construction. It estimates prices for every common building material, provides manhours, recommended crew, and gives the labor cost for installation. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the software. This file format is classified as Data.
  15. Notes (product key file) by HCL Software
    Notes is an email client software that gives teams access to email, calendar, and contact management capabilities, and seamlessly integrates other collaboration tools and other HCL applications. HCL Notes was initially Lotus Notes by Lotus Development Corporation, however, was bought by IBM and transformed into HCL Notes. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the software. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: IBM Lotus Notes Wikipedia Page
  16. OS/2 (archive key file) by IBM
    OS/2 was an operating system developed by IBM for their early personal computers. OS/2 was known for having similarities to both Windows and Unix, however, the OS/2 operating system was discontinued in 2006 and replaced by eComStation. The KEY file utilized by OS/2 contains the archive key which is neccessary for the program to function. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: OS/2 Wikipedia
  17. Sentry 2020 (encryption file) by SoftWinter
    Sentry 2020 is a security system that protects files, folders, and programs quickly and easily by encrypting the data on the computer behind a 128-bit security key. The KEY file contains this secuirty key that holds the confidentiality of all of the user's data. This file format is classified as Encoded.
  18. Top Secret Crypto Gold (license key file) by TAN$TAAFL Software Company
    Top Secret Crypto Gold is a communications and file encryption program for Windows systems. It allows for safe and encrypted chats, keep journals, and E-mails when sending and receiving them across the internet. The KEY file contains the personal license to the program, allowing the user to successfully register and download the software. This file format is classified as Encoded.

KEY format details:

A file format defines how the data in the file is structured. The first characters in a file identify the file format, for example, HTML files start with the bytes <html>. If the file extension or signature does not match the file format, errors will occur when opening or editing the file. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Our analysis of the KEY files produces the following result:

The KEY file extension is very common and is used by different programs with different formats. The two most popular formats are as follows:

All other KEY files (35%) have different formats, such as H-BEDV - AVIRA product key, RAR registration data, Kaspersky Lab Key, Infinity Engine resource directory, certificate, Java, MIME, JSON, DrWeb, REGEDIT and GLE. Sometimes used for fiel, claveprivada, license, softcam, forscan, gesture or hbedv. Just click the "Choose your .key file to view" button on this page to find out what your KEY file is.

Technical Data for KEY File Extension

File classification:
Page Layout
Related files:

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: MacroMagic.KeyDocument, FileType: Macro Magic Advanced Macro, AppName: Macros

ProgramID: regfile, FileType: Registration Entries, AppName: Notepad
EXEFile: NOTEPAD.EXE

ProgramID: regfile, FileType: Registration Entries, AppName: Registry Editor
EXEFile: regedit.exe

ProgramID: AVPKeyFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Fichiers communs\KAV Shared Files\addkey.exe %1

ProgramID: regfile
EXEFile: regedit.exe %1

ProgramID: AVPKeyFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\KAV Shared Files\addkey.exe %1

ProgramID: MacroMagic.KeyDocument
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Iolo\Macro Magic\Macros.exe %1

ProgramID: regfile
EXEFile: NOTEPAD.EXE %1

ProgramID: KAV.KeyFile.1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Kaspersky Lab\\AddKey.exe %1

ProgramID: KAV.KeyFile.1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Kaspersky Lab\AddKey.exe

ProgramID: regfile
EXEFile: regedit.exe /s

ProgramID: KAV.KeyFile.1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Defender Pro Firewall\AddKey.exe

ProgramID: regfile
EXEFile: regedit.exe %*


a key presentation file is a special file format by Apple Inc. and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with KEY files

  • Associate the KEY file extension with the correct application.
  • Update your software that should actually open presentation files. Because only the current version supports the latest KEY file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Apple Inc. manufacturer website after an available Keynote update.
  • To make sure that your KEY file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
  • Click here to open your .KEY file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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