Which MIME types are related to file extension ".kps"?
The .kps file extension is associated with 2 MIME types:
text/xml, application/octet-stream.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .kps Files
KPS files are specialized files used for distinct purposes depending on their MIME type.
When used as a Keyman Developer Package Source file, they are text files encoded in UTF-8 and organized in an XML format. This type is mainly used in creating and managing custom keyboard layouts with Keyman software. The associated MIME type is text/xml.
- Used in keyboard development
- Text-based and human-readable
- Edited with text editors or Keyman Developer tools
In another role, KPS files serve as an IBM KIPS bitmap. These files contain binary data and are designed to store image (bitmap) data. Their MIME type is application/octet-stream. They are typically handled by specific image processing or IBM-related software utilities.
- Used for bitmap image storage
- Binary format requiring specialized software
- Often processed by IBM imaging tools
Based on information from FilExt.com, KPS files are thus not uniform: their content and purpose vary with their MIME type assignment.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
text/xml, application/octet-stream
FAQs
What is a .kps file?
A .kps file is most commonly a Keyman Developer Package Source file used to define metadata for custom keyboard layouts in an XML format. Less frequently, it may be an IBM KIPS bitmap, which is a binary file used to store image data.
How do I open and edit a Keyman KPS file?
You should use Keyman Developer to open these files in their native environment. Since they are text-based files with the MIME type text/xml, you can also manually edit the code using text editors like Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, or Sublime Text.
How do I convert a KPS file to an installable keyboard?
You cannot simply "convert" the file; you must compile the .kps source file using Keyman Developer. This process creates a .kmp (Keyman Package) file, which can then be installed on computers or mobile devices.
Can I view an IBM KIPS bitmap file with standard image viewers?
No, standard photo viewers like Microsoft Photos or macOS Preview do not support the legacy IBM KIPS format. You will need specialized IBM imaging utilities or specific file conversion software to handle these binary files.
What is the correct MIME type for KPS files?
For Keyman package source files, the correct media type is text/xml because they are structured XML documents. For IBM bitmap files, the generic binary type application/octet-stream is typically used. You can verify specific types at mime-type.com.
Why does my text editor show unreadable symbols in a KPS file?
If you see garbled characters instead of readable XML tags, you are likely trying to open an IBM KIPS bitmap file in a text editor. Text editors cannot interpret the binary data of the image format; ensure you have the correct file type for your software.
Are KPS files safe to open?
Keyman .kps files are simple text files and are generally safe to open and view. However, like any file, if a binary .kps file (IBM format) is downloaded from an unknown source, you should scan it for malware before attempting to process it.
General FAQ
What is a MIME type?
A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.
MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.
MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.
How do I find the MIME type for a file?
You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.
Why can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.