KEY files exist as 6 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Software License Key File
A key file registers software. Users get key files when purchasing software. Key files contain encrypted codes to authenticate and register the software. Windows programs primarily use key files. But ...
General Information
| Title | KEY File Extension |
| Extension | .key |
| Full Form | Software License Key File |
| File Type | License Key File |
| Developer | Varies |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Software activation |
| Additional Functions | Validation, Verification |
| Features | Encrypted, Unique code |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Encrypted text |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Software Activation | Yes |
| Product Registration | Yes |
| License Verification | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Unauthorized sharing |
| Best Practices | Secure storage, Limited distribution |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies |
| Latest Version | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .lic, .dat, .act |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Various Applications |
Varies | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: LightWave 3D License File (Legacy)
General Information
| Title | KEY File Extension |
| Extension | .key |
| Full Form | LightWave 3D License File (Legacy) |
| File Type | License File |
| Developer | NewTek |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Software licensing |
| Additional Functions | Activation, Authentication |
| Features | Legacy format, Encrypted |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Not applicable |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| 3D Modeling | Yes |
| Animation | Yes |
| Design | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Unauthorized access |
| Best Practices | Secure storage, Backup |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies |
| Latest Version | Varies |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .lwo, .lws, .lxe |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| LightWave 3D |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
Type 3: Apple Keynote Presentation
General Information
| Title | KEY File Extension |
| Extension | .key |
| Full Form | Apple Keynote Presentation |
| File Type | Presentation File |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| MIME Type | application/x-iwork-keynote-sffkey |
File Function
| Primary Function | Presentation creation |
| Additional Functions | Interactive slideshows, Animation |
| Features | Graphic-rich, Multimedia support |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High-resolution |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | Yes |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Business Presentations | Yes |
| Educational Lectures | Yes |
| Event Keynotes | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Macros disabled |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Password protection |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2003 |
| Latest Version | Keynote 11.1 (2021) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .ppt, .pptx, .odp |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Apple Keynote |
Free | macOS, iOS |
 iWork for iCloud |
Free with Apple ID | Web-based |
| Keynote for iCloud Beta |
Free with Apple ID | Web-based |
Type 4: Keyboard Definition File
General Information
| Title | KEY File Extension |
| Extension | .key |
| Full Form | Keyboard Definition File |
| File Type | Configuration File |
| Developer | Various |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Define keyboard layout |
| Additional Functions | Map keys, Customize input |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Not applicable |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Custom Keyboard Layouts | Yes |
| Multilingual Typing | Yes |
| Specialized Input | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Validate configuration |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies |
| Latest Version | Depends on software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .kbd, .klc |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Layout Editors |
Varies | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Operating Systems |
N/A | Varies |
Type 5: Privacy-Enhanced Mail Private Key
A KEY file contains encoded strings that are essence of encrypting/decrypting information exchange as part of SSL certificate on web servers. KEY files are text files generated using PEM key format. P...
General Information
| Title | .KEY File Extension |
| Extension | .key |
| Full Form | Privacy-Enhanced Mail Private Key |
| File Type | Security Key File |
| Developer | N/A |
| MIME Type | application/x-pem-file |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store private keys |
| Additional Functions | Secure communications, Authenticate users |
| Features | Encrypted, PEM format |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High security |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | With software |
Use Cases
| Email Encryption | Yes |
| Secure Communication | Yes |
| Authentication | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Exposure of private key |
| Best Practices | Strong passphrase, Backup securely |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | N/A |
| Latest Version | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .pem, .cer, .crt, .pub |
Type 6: Android Passcode File
A KEY file registers software. It contains a license key the software references. The key string authenticates the purchase. It also registers the software copy. KEY files register copies offline. The...
General Information
| Title | KEY File Extension |
| Extension | .key |
| Full Form | Android Passcode File |
| File Type | Security File |
| Developer | Android Open Source Project |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store passcodes |
| Additional Functions | Authentication, Encryption |
| Features | Security, Encrypted |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Binary format |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Device Unlocking | Yes |
| Data Recovery | Yes |
| Forensic Analysis | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Sensitive data |
| Best Practices | Access control, Regular updates |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies with OS |
| Latest Version | Varies with OS |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .locksettings, .db, .db-wal, .db-shm |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Android Debug Bridge (ADB) |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Various Forensic Tools |
Commercial | Varies |