13 votes
TK File - What is a .tk file and how do I open it?
Learn about .TK files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a TK file? A TK file is a script written in Tool Command Language (Tcl), designed to be executed using Wish, an interpreter for Tcl/Tk applications. It defines graphical user interfaces ( GUIs ) and manages user interactions within Tcl-based programs. TK files are similar to .TCL files but are specifically tailored for applications that use the Tk toolkit for GUI development.
More Information Tcl/Tk is a programming language and graphical user interface (GUI) toolkit for scripting and application development that was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. Software developers, system administrators, and researchers needing to create GUIs for Tcl-based applications used TK files to build applications with buttons, menus, and other user interface elements. Since Wish interprets these scripts, users can run TK files without compiling them. During the 1990s and early 2000s, many Unix-based systems, academic institutions, and open-source projects relied on Tk for building interactive tools. While Tcl/Tk is less common today, some legacy systems still use the programming language and toolkit.
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.TK File Extension
Tk Script
| Developer | Tcl Core Team |
| Popularity |
3.9 | 13 Votes |
What is a TK file?
A TK file is a script written in Tool Command Language (Tcl), designed to be executed using Wish, an interpreter for Tcl/Tk applications. It defines graphical user interfaces ( GUIs ) and manages user interactions within Tcl-based programs. TK files are similar to .TCL files but are specifically tailored for applications that use the Tk toolkit for GUI development.
More Information
Tcl/Tk is a programming language and graphical user interface (GUI) toolkit for scripting and application development that was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. Software developers, system administrators, and researchers needing to create GUIs for Tcl-based applications used TK files to build applications with buttons, menus, and other user interface elements. Since Wish interprets these scripts, users can run TK files without compiling them.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, many Unix-based systems, academic institutions, and open-source projects relied on Tk for building interactive tools. While Tcl/Tk is less common today, some legacy systems still use the programming language and toolkit.
How to open a TK file
You can open TK files with any text or source code editor, including Microsoft Notepad (bundled with Windows), Apple TextEdit (bundled with macOS), and Microsoft Visual Studio Code (multiplatform).
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Programs that open TK files
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Windows
Microsoft Notepad
Included with OS
Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Free
Mac
Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Free
Apple TextEdit
Included with OS
Linux
Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Free
gedit
Free
Category: Developer Files
Updated: January 31, 2025