Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.KTS
File Type
Kotlin Script File
Category
Programming
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .kts file format
A .kts file is a Kotlin Script file, which is a variation of the Kotlin programming language specifically designed to be executed as a script rather than being compiled into a standalone application or library. Unlike standard .kt files, which typically require a defined main function and a formal…
File extension
.KTS
File type
Kotlin Script File
Category
Programming
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .kts file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .kts.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .kts file?
File extension details and usage information
A .kts file is a Kotlin Script file, which is a variation of the Kotlin programming language specifically designed to be executed as a script rather than being compiled into a standalone application or library. Unlike standard .kt files, which typically require a defined main function and a formal compilation step into JVM bytecode (JAR files), .kts files allow for top-level executable code. This makes them highly effective for automation tasks, build configurations, and rapid prototyping. One of the most prominent uses of the .kts extension is in the Gradle build system, where the Kotlin DSL (Domain Specific Language) uses these files to define build logic with full type safety and IDE support. Because they run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), .kts files have seamless access to the entire ecosystem of Java and Kotlin libraries. They are frequently used by developers for writing utility scripts, performing data processing, or managing DevOps pipelines where a statically-typed, robust language is preferred over traditional shell scripting or dynamic languages like Python or Ruby. The Kotlin compiler (kotlinc) includes a built-in script engine that can interpret and run these files directly from the command line.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .kts files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .kts files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .kts file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .kts file.
Why can't I open a .kts file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .kts format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .kts files
To open a .kts file, use software that supports this file format.
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Android Studio
- Visual Studio Code
- Eclipse IDE
- Notepad++
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .kts file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.