π A .KEY data extension may also relate to a private key stored within the Privacy-Enhanced Mail (PEM) format type. Normally it stores a string of text which is applied to decrypt data transferred to a remote web-server from a local web-browser. The following file samples are usually built automatically as an integral component of SSL certificate installation on a web-server. In order to complete certification which suggests that usersβ data is being delivered and issued securely and reliably, the owners of relevant web-servers should apply for and install an SSL-certificate. In specific clauses, the private keys handled by SSL-certificates are stored in the shape of .KEY file objects.
π In an accustomed workflow, .KEY serves as a license key which an app references to sign up itself to a computer on which it is formerly preinstalled. Basically, it may store the key in an essential textual form. However, most often it includes an encoded key string which registers the software and authenticates the purchase. After all, the .KEY file format fits as a generic data container for software license keys utilized by various applets for registering legal copies of the software solutions and bundles. Primarily, the .KEY files are applied by Windows programs, although other distinctive packages in scope of other operating systems may also utilize the .KEY object definition.
π Alternatively, a .KEY container may stand out as a software registration file applied by LightWave 3D, an ultimate program package for three-dimensional rendering. Essentially, .KEY extension objects store a 16-digit license key, which permits the final users to activate a legal copy of the LightWave 3D program bundle. LightWave 3D is referred to as a computer graphics toolkit that is purposed to render animated and static 3D pictures. Professional designers and animators use this specific software project in diverse areas and fields of expertise, including product design, building visualizations, video game development, film, and television production.
π In complementary working cases a .KEY data sample may correspond to the presentation, made up by Apple Keynote, an iOS and macOS applet for building stylish and good-looking visual presentations. This subtype of .KEY instance is composed of slides which may particularly include notes, video, audio, transitions, tables, charts, shapes, images, and text. Moreover, .KEY resources may also store specific types of visual presentations, such as book report summaries, research findings, and financial proposals. All types of electronic content embedded into .KEY project, is most often applied for personal, business, or academic targets and aims.
π At last, in untypical circumstances a .KEY container may be oriented on information, which recognizes and defines the layout of a keyboard. It stores data which concerns keys mapping to various characters and symbols and may also suggest uniquely setup keyboard shortcut combinations. Furthermore, the relevant info objects may relate to custom-made keyboard sequences, defined by the user or supplied with the operating system edition. .KEY file resources may suggest different types of keyboard shortcuts, depending on the original language of the local layout, set up within the operating system parameters. Hereby, the name of the localized .KEY file may be also different taking into consideration the locale language.
π After all, .KEY file sample may also be recognized as a passcode file utilized by the Android system on the smartphone or other compliant mobile device. This category of .KEY resource includes the gesture pattern used to unlock the device, the password or the passcode themselves, depending on the authorization type, defined within system parameters. This specific type of .KEY container is stored on the Android device within the data/system tree directory. It should be explicitly noted, that most of the users would never encounter a situation when they require to manually open the .KEY file contents.
How to open an .KEY file?
π .KEY file instances can be revealed and opened up by various types of software solutions, depending on the original area of their application and usage. If the file sample belongs to the encrypted license file type, you can refer to the original toolkit for registering the key within the applet. Otherwise, if the .KEY disk carrier stores the keyboard shortcuts, you can refer to this relevant container to redefine the keyboard sequences or combinations for custom operations within the system shell or environment. In exceptional cases, the .KEY sample may be associated with Android passcode or gesture pattern. In this situation, the file cannot be opened manually at all in accordance with security measures.