All about KIF Files

The KIF file type is primarily associated with Kifu for Windows.

KIF	File extension: KIF
	File type:	Text-based game record file

What is a KIF file?

KIF files mostly belong to Kifu for Windows. KIF files are mainly used to store Shogi game records in a text-based format. They record each move from a game of Japanese chess in a structured way and are often encoded in UTF-8 to support Japanese characters.
These files are managed with specialized software such as Kifu for Windows and Shogidokoro, which can interpret the move sequences so players can review and analyze games.

Shogi game records: This is the principal use, where every move is recorded for game analysis.
Photoshop image files: In rare instances, a KIF file may contain image data meant for Adobe Photoshop.

For further details on Shogi records, you can visit related sites like Asahi-net and Shogi Association.
FilExt.com tip: If you have a KIF file, open it with a dedicated Shogi record viewer or a text editor that can properly decode UTF-8. This allows you to see the detailed sequence of game moves or, in the uncommon case of an image file, to open it in Adobe Photoshop.

How to open a KIF file

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

Online KIF Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert KIF files:

Kifu for Windows
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. KIF files are often referred to as Kifu for Windows games because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
AutoCAD (Key Index) by Autodesk, Inc.
Knowledge Interchange Format Draft Proposition

Technical Data for KIF File Extension

File classification:

Game

Related files:

ki2, csa, pgn, psd, klf, ascii, int, jpg, kf, qif, plt, ifc, dsd, png, tif

Mime type:

application/octet-stream, application/x-newlisp, text/x-newlisp

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: KShogi3.Kifu
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\KShogi3L\KSHOGI3L.EXE

a kif Text-based game record file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with KIF files

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