Opening a KEYS File

The KEYS file type is primarily associated with Security Tools.

KEYS	File extension: KEYS
	File type:	encryption key file

What is a KEYS file?

KEYS files mostly belong to Security Tools. KEYS files are used to store cryptographic keys and related data.
They are mainly designed to hold encryption keys that secure data, verify signatures, or unlock encrypted files. In some cases, these files also store digital certificates or title keys for games.
Some examples include:

Encryption Key Storage: The file contains secret or public keys used by security software, ensuring data remains protected.

Nintendo and Wii U Title Keys: Certain KEYS files carry game title keys used by platforms like Nintendo Switch and Wii U, assisting in digital rights management.

Application-Specific Key Files: Programs like Android Studio and 1Password produce files that store encrypted keys. These files may use formats such as XML or Apple's binary property list (plist), as detailed on the Android Studio and Apple documentation.

Public Key Certificates: Some KEYS files contain certificates used to verify encrypted private keys. More details can be found at DigiCert.

If you handle a KEYS file, it is best to use the original application or specific tools for the internal format. Opening them in a text editor may not display the data correctly, especially if the file is in binary format.
FilExt.com tip: Additional examples of related uses include secure storage for encryption keys in security software and key management in digital wallets.

How do you open KEYS files?

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

Online KEYS Text Viewer

Choose your .keys file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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KEYS file format details:

Every file has a defined file format, i.e. how the data is arranged in the file. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). Frequently, however, one file extension is used by different programs for different file formats, and one file format for different file extensions. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Below you will find our evaluation of the KEYS files:

The KEYS extension is quite commonly used. The file itself covers different formats for different programs. The two most popular formats are as follows:

• 25% of all KEYS files start with the bytes aes_kek_generation_source crucial for this file format. These files are plain text, which means they can be viewed with any text editor such as Windows Editor, Nano for Linux, and TextEdit for macOS. KEYS files are between 8 KB and 10 KB in size. The file type is relatively new. The following keywords are characteristic: aes_kek_generation_source = 4d870986c45d20722fba1053da92e8a9, aes_key_generation_source = 89615ee05c31b6805fe58f3da24f7aa8, bis_kek_source = 34c1a0c48258f8b4fa9e5e6adafc7e4f and bis_key_00. The file name prod.keys is characteristic of these files.
• 4% of all KEYS files are based on the well-known plist file format. A property list file is a structured text file that contains user's settings or macOS apps configuration. They consist of illegible, cryptic characters. KEYS files can be up to 500 bytes in size, but are often around 170 bytes - 270 bytes. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as bplist00 and RPRRPUQDQAO.

All other KEYS files (71%) have no uniform format, often, for example, XML, fbe, master and dNg. The category is wallet, monero, extended, password or device. If you want to find out what your KEYS file contains, drag and drop it onto this page.