Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.WKT
File Type
Well-known Text
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .wkt file format
Well-known Text (WKT) is a text markup language for representing vector geometry objects. It's a human-readable text format that allows for the representation of geometric shapes like points, lines, polygons, and more complex geometries such as MultiPoint, MultiLineString, and MultiPolygon. WKT is…
File extension
.WKT
File type
Well-known Text
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .wkt file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .wkt.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .wkt file?
File extension details and usage information
Well-known Text (WKT) is a text markup language for representing vector geometry objects. It's a human-readable text format that allows for the representation of geometric shapes like points, lines, polygons, and more complex geometries such as MultiPoint, MultiLineString, and MultiPolygon. WKT is primarily used in geographic information systems (GIS), databases, and other applications that deal with spatial data. It provides a standardized way to exchange and store geometric data, ensuring interoperability between different systems. The format specifies how to encode geometric objects as strings, making it easy to parse and interpret the data. WKT is a core component of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards and is widely supported by various GIS software packages and database systems with spatial extensions. The simplicity and readability of WKT make it a popular choice for representing spatial data in configuration files, data exchange formats, and even in database queries.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .wkt files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .wkt files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .wkt 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 .wkt file.
Why can't I open a .wkt file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .wkt 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 .wkt files
To open a .wkt file, use software that supports this file format.
- QGIS
- ArcGIS
- Global Mapper
- GDAL/OGR
- ArcGIS Pro (via virtualization)
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 .wkt 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.