.PKG File Extension

A PKG file is a text file required to build an .SIS installer file, which is used to install applications on devices running the Symbian operating system (OS). It contains installation information in plain text that defines how to build the SIS installer file. PKG files typically include information about the languages supported by the application, vendor name, software dependencies, application files to copy, and details for digitally signing the file to verify its contents.

You will most likely only encounter Symbian PKG files if you are developing an application for the Symbian OS. The PKG file must be defined by Symbian developers in order to build a single distributable SIS installer file. When the application is ready to be built, developers typically use the "makesis" command, which is part of the CreateSIS utility. Developers may also use the Sisar or Easy SIS Creator applications, which provide a GUI for building SIS files.

Since PKG files are saved in plain text, they can be opened and modified with a text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad or Apple TextEdit, which are bundled with Windows and macOS. If you cannot open the PKG file with a text editor, you most likely have a different type of PKG file. This is due to various file types using the .pkg file extension, which includes the macOS Installer Package and PlayStation Store Download Package formats.

While SIS files are used to install applications, you can unpack the files if you want to view their contents. You can use the free UnSIS tool to unpack SIS files.

NOTE: In 2010, the Symbian Foundation ended and the Symbian OS was discontinued. Nokia eventually stopped accepting software from developers in 2014.

A PKG file is a package downloaded from Sony's PlayStation Store, an online content store available on PlayStation consoles since the PS3. It contains a game, add-on, demo, or other content. PKG files are encrypted, and they can be opened only on compatible Sony devices.

The PlayStation Store allows PlayStation console owners to download purchased games and add-ons, as well as free demos, to their consoles. This content is saved in PKG files.

While most PlayStation owners will never have to manually view or manage their PKG files, some gamers distribute and download PKG files online. To use these files, you must transfer them to a compatible PlayStation console and install them. For example, if you have acquired a PKG file that contains a PS3 game, you must transfer that file to a PS3 and install it.

PlayStation Store PKG files must be transferred to an appropriate PlayStation device to be opened and installed. Often, gamers use homebrew applications to install PKG files they've downloaded online. In most cases, PKG files must be paired with an accompanying RAP file, which contains game licensing information.

A PKG file is a package of compressed files used to install a macOS application. When you double-click a PKG file, Apple Installer beings installing the application the file contains.

You can use Apple Installer to install the app a PKG file contains. To do so, either double-click the PKG file, or right-click it and select Open With → Installer.

If you want to view the files your PKG file contains, refer to the How to check what files a PKG file contains section above.

Game data file used by Midtown Madness 2 (MM2), a 3D racing game; saves a 3D model of a car; located within .AR game archives and can be edited with ZModeler.

File created by CoCreate software programs, which are used for 3D modeling; contains the files for a 3D model in a compressed format; used to reduce the size of a model design for transferring over the Internet.

PKG files in Modeling 2005 or earlier use proprietary and CPIO (.CPIO files) compression. PKG files in Modeling 2006 and later use Zip compression.

NOTE: CoCreate OneSpace Modeling is now known as CoCreate Modeling. It was also previously known as OneSpace Designer Modeling and SolidDesigner.

A PKG file is an application that can be run on a Nintendo 3DS or Switch using SmileBASIC and Midori-OS. It contains an app that is written using the BASIC (Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) programming language and compiled for use with Midori-OS. PKG files are loaded in Midori-OS using the LOAD command and PKG Loader.

SmileBASIC is a program that allows developers to create BASIC programs on their Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, or Switch. Midori-OS is a mock operating system that SmileBASIC users can install to make creating and executing programs easier. For example, Midori-OS allows users to import and execute precompiled SmileBASIC applications. These applications are saved as PKG files. Midori-OS also allows users to create and load additional PKG files, housing their own SmileBASIC applications.

NOTE: The R-OS Forever and Sakakibara UI SmileBASIC mock operating systems can also load Midori-OS PKG files.

Midori-OS PKG files are meant to be loaded on a Nintendo video game console that has SmileBASIC and Midori-OS installed. They are not meant to be opened on a PC. It is unlikely that you will encounter a Midori-OS PKG file on a PC.