.GEM File Extension

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

Type 1: RubyGems Package

General Information

Title GEM File Extension
Extension .gem
Full Form RubyGems Package File
File Type Package File
Developer RubyGems
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Package distribution
Additional Functions Library installation, Dependency management
Features Version management, Automated install

File Characteristics

Quality Depends on library
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Via RubyGems

Use Cases

Library Sharing Yes
Application Deployment Yes
Code Management Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Code injection, Malicious code
Best Practices Signature verification, Secure source

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release March 2004
Latest Version RubyGems 3.3.7 (February 2023)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .rb, .rbw, .rake, .gemspec

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
RubyGems Free Cross-platform
RubyMine Paid, Free trial Windows, Mac, Linux
Visual Studio Code Free Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 2: GEM Metafile

GEM is a file extension used for 3 file types: RubyGems Package. Package containing Ruby programs and libraries. Can be installed using RubyGems package manager. GEM Metafile. Vector image file for...

General Information

Title GEM File Extension
Extension .gem
Full Form GEM Metafile
File Type Vector Image File
Developer Digital Research
MIME Type image/x-gem

File Function

Primary Function Store vector images
Additional Functions Store text
Features Device-independent

File Characteristics

Quality Scalable
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Desktop Publishing Yes
Vector Graphics Yes
Printing Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular updates, Trusted sources

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1985
Latest Version N/A

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .svg, .wmf, .eps

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Ventura Publisher Commercial Windows, DOS
CorelDRAW Commercial Windows, Mac
XnView Free Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 3: Ventura Publisher Document

GEM files are created by Ventura Publisher, a desktop publishing application. They contain text, images, and layout for designing printed materials. Ventura Publisher has been discontinued. Popular GE...

General Information

Title .GEM File Extension
Extension .gem
Full Form Ventura Publisher Document
File Type Document File
Developer Xerox
MIME Type application/x-gem

File Function

Primary Function Document layout
Additional Functions Text formatting, Image embedding

File Characteristics

Quality High
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Desktop Publishing Yes
Professional Printing Yes
Business Documents Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular backups

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1986
Latest Release Corel Ventura 10 (2002)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .vp, .pub, .indd

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Corel Ventura Commercial Windows
Xerox Ventura Publisher Discontinued DOS, GEM