.BLK File Extension

BLK files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: AutoCAD Block Template File

The BLK file extension is used for AutoCAD Block Template Files. These files contain layers and objects to create new blocks in drawings. BLK files allow efficient loading of modified drawings without...

General Information

Title BLK File Extension
Extension .blk
Full Form AutoCAD Block Template File
File Type CAD Block File
Developer Autodesk
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store block definitions
Additional Functions Template creation
Features Reusable, Parametric

File Characteristics

Quality High precision
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Architectural Design Yes
Engineering Drawings Yes
3D Modeling Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Embedded scripts
Best Practices Regular updates, Scan for malware

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Early 1980s
Latest Version Depends on AutoCAD version

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .dwg, .dxf, .dwt

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
AutoCAD Subscription Windows, Mac
AutoCAD LT Subscription Windows, Mac
DraftSight Free, Paid versions Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 2: ABBYY FineReader Area Template

BLK files save time scanning many documents with same layout. Create template, open image, draw area manually or let FineReader analyze layout. Select Area → Save Area Template..., name template, cl...

General Information

Title BLK File Extension
Extension .blk
Full Form ABBYY FineReader Area Template
File Type Configuration File
Developer ABBYY
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store predefined areas
Additional Functions Template creation
Features Area coordinates, Text recognition

File Characteristics

Quality High accuracy
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Document Conversion Yes
Data Capturing Yes
Text Recognition Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular updates, Backup

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Varies with software
Latest Version Dependent on ABBYY FineReader version

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .frdoc, .xml, .pdf

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
ABBYY FineReader Commercial Windows, Mac

Type 3: BLK360 Data File

A BLK file contains data from a BLK360 device scan. The BLK360 scanner captures images to create 3D point clouds. The data transfers via WLAN to a Cyclone Register 360 computer. This software saves th...

General Information

Title BLK360 Data File
Extension .blk
Full Form Leica BLK360 Data File
File Type 3D Laser Scanning Data File
Developer Leica Geosystems
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store 3D data
Additional Functions Contain imagery, measurements
Features High precision, Detailed capture

File Characteristics

Quality High resolution
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable With software

Use Cases

Surveying Yes
Architecture Yes
Construction Yes
Forensics Yes
Heritage preservation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Unencrypted data
Best Practices Secure storage, Data handling protocols

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2016
Latest Version N/A

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .ptx, .pts, .e57, .fls

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 Paid Windows
Autodesk ReCap Paid Windows
CloudCompare Free Windows, Mac, Linux