Opening a PKG File

The PKG file type is primarily associated with Solaris.

PKG	File extension: PKG
	File type:	software installation package

What is a PKG file?

PKG files mostly belong to Solaris by Oracle. The PKG format is part of the XAR project that is focused on the development of an accessible and extensible file archiving format. The PKG format is a renamed XAR archive with a different file hierarchy.

Features: The format provides an additional beyond the XAR format including more efficient random access to archived files, a feature for storing checksums for individual files, the ability to query metadata, and is capable of storing information in extremely large files.
Structure: Similar to the XAR file format, the PKG format contains three primary sections: the Header, a binary data structure for format identification; the Table of Contents that lists each entry and which is parsed as an XML document; and the Heap that stores file data.
Adoption: The PKG extension is used to store compressed installation files for software used by the MacOS operating system. The files are decompressed and installed using the Apple Installer application. These files are also used by the Sony PlayStation 3 for downloadable content accessible through the PlayStation Network.

How do you open PKG files?

You need a suitable software like Solaris to open a PKG 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 PKG file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PKG file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online PKG File Viewer

Choose your .pkg file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from PKG files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

If you want to extract texts from PKG file or capture a screenshot, you can use our free Online PKG File Viewer:

To do so, click the "Choose your .pkg file to view" button above.
Your PKG file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert PKG files:

Solaris by Oracle
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. PKG files are often referred to as Solaris executables because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
AppleLink (compressed archive file) by Apple
AppleLink was an online service from Apple for its employees, dealers, and developers. PKG (AppleLink Package Compression Format) was a compressed file format used by the service. This file format is classified as Compressed. Related links: AppleLink on Wikipedia, PKG (AppleLink) on Wikipedia
Automise (action package) by Vsoft
Automise is a software for automating administrative tasks in the Windows operating system. PKG files (called action packages) are used as plugins for Automise. The files are not complied but are in XML format. This file format is classified as Plugin. Related links: Action Studio Manual with PKG Reference
CoCreate (3D project package) by PTC
CoCreate is a CAD/CAM software from PTC used for 2D and 3D modelling and drafting. It was later renamed CoCreate OneSpace and has now been replaced by Creo. The PKG file in CoCreate stores all of a project's 3D data, including drawings, parts, and assemblies. The PKG format is also used by Creo. This file format is classified as CAD. Related links: Article on CoCreate, Creo Guide with PKG and CoCreate Reference, Creo on Wikipedia
Developer Studio (MFC extension DLL) by Microsoft
Developer Studio was an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from Microsoft that preceeded Visual Studio. It was integrated with Fortran and Visual C++ developing environments. PKG files were the MFC extension DLLs for Developer Studio that are loaded by the main executable file. This file format is classified as System. Related links: Developer Studio Overview, PKG (Visual Studio) File Format, Visual Studio on Wikipedia
InstallShield (Compiled Setup Package) by Acresso Software Inc.
This file format is classified as Compressed.
macOS (software installation package) by Apple
macOS is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) based operating system from Apple. PKG is a software installer package file for macOS. Installer is an applications that extracts files from a PKG package and installs them. Installer was created by NeXT and is maintained by Apple. This file format is classified as Executable. Related links: macOS on Wikipedia, Installer on macOS, Old PKG Format, New PKG Format
MicroSim PCBoards (external ASCII package definition file) by MicroSim
MicroSim PCBoards is a circuit design program. PKG is an external ASCII package definition file that is used for import and export by MicroSim PCBoards. This file format is classified as System. Related links: MicroSim Manual with PKG Reference
Midtown Madness (3D model geometry file) by Microsoft
Midtown Madness is a car racing video game from Microsoft. The game allows enthisuasts to create and include add-on vehicles. The add-on 3D Models are saved in an archive with the AR extension. Inside the archive are the geometry and texture files for the model. PKG is the extension for these geometry files. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Midtown Madness on Wikipedia, PKG (Midtown Madness) File, PKG Blender Add-on
Newton OS (software installation package) by Apple
Newton OS is the operating system for Newton, a series of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) developed by Apple. The software installation package for Newton OS programs has the PKG extension. This file format is classified as Executable. Related links: Newton OS on Wikipedia, Newton PDAs on Wikipedia
P-CAD (project package file) by Altium
P-CAD was an application for designing PCBs. Its functionality is integrated into Altium Designer. PKG is the project package file for P-CAD. This file format is classified as CAD. Related links: P-CAD on Wikipedia, P-CAD Project Template
Playstation (software installation package) by Sony
PKG files are installation packages developed by Sony to install software, Homebrew, and Downloadable Content (DLCs) for Playstation games. This file format is classified as Executable. Related links: Playstation on Wikipedia, PKG File Format, Install PKG on PS4 (Tutorial)
Symbian (installation package instructions file) by Nokia
Symbian is an operating system for Nokia smartphones. PKG is a format for Symbian that stores instructions for creating SIS (Software Installation Script) files. This file format is classified as Executable. Related links: Symbian on Wikipedia, PKG (Symbian) File Format, Documentation with PKG (Symbian) File Reference, SIS File (Created Using PKG)
System Center Configuration Manager (distribution package) by Microsoft
System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a system management software from Microsoft used to manage large numbers of computers in an enterprise. It was formerly name Systems Management Server (SMS). PKG is a distribution package file for the software. This file format is classified as Developer. Related links: System Center Configuration Manager on Wikipedia, SCCM Tutorial with PKG Reference

PKG file format:

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. Knowledge is power - this also applies when dealing with unknown or faulty files. Our examination of the PKG files comes to the following conclusion:

The PKG file extension is quite widespread and includes various formats for various programs. The following file formats are most commonly found in PKG files:

40% of all PKG files belong to XAR Archive. The content consists of illegible binary data, which can only be read and interpreted by the associated programs. The average file size is 54 MB with most files being between 3 MB and 1 GB in size. The file type was developed only in the last few years. The keywords xar! are typical for these files. Such files sometimes refer to installer, microsoft, office, install, macosx, cloud, setup and software.
10% of all PKG files are associated with Sony PS Package. If you open these files in a text editor, you will see only illegible characters. The files are 1 MB to 4 GB in size, with a median of 300 MB. Such files are related to multiman, brewology, base, npub, npeb, duplex, patch and bles.

All other PKG files (50%) have different formats, the following 22 formats exist: SkyOS add-on Package, InstallShield compiled setup Package, Sun SVR4 package data stream, zlib, Mac2OSX, JFIF, Unreal, CNT, PKGV, CON and PIHC. These files are often connected to cusa, upgrade, update, data, game, bypassca or loader. If you want to find out which format your PKG file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your .pkg file to view".

Technical Data for PKG File Extension

File classification:

Executable

Related files:

xar, zip, kpg, exe, package, pkd, pkp, updatepkg, mpkg, dmg, rar, jpg, pkgx, bkg, payload, pxg, pkv, pcg, dxs, ps3, bd

Mime type:

application/octet-stream, text/xml

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: PcaPackageFile, FileType: pcAnywhere Package File, AppName: pcAnywhere Main Program

ProgramID: PcaPackageFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Symantec\pcAnywhere\winaw32.exe

ProgramID: DocWiz.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\KVT Software\DogovDB\DocWiz.exe

a pkg software installation package is a special file format by Oracle and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with PKG files

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