DCK File – What is .dck file and how to open it?
DCK File Extension
Resolume Deck File – file format by Resolume
DCK (Resolume Deck File) is a file format created by Resolume, a software company specializing in audio-visual performance tools. It stores settings, effects, and media files used in Resolume’s Avenue software, allowing users to easily save and share their projects.
Definition and Purpose
A .DCK file, also known as a Resolume Deck File, is a specialized file format used by the Resolume Arena and Avenue video mixing software. It is a container file that encapsulates all the elements necessary for a multimedia performance or show, including video clips, audio tracks, effects, cues, and transitions.
Structure and Content
.DCK files are structured as XML documents, allowing for easy editing and interoperability with other programs. They contain references to the individual video and audio files used in the composition, as well as information about their placement, timing, and other parameters. Additionally, .DCK files store metadata such as project settings, cue points, and effects lists. The XML structure of .DCK files enables users to customize the composition, add or remove elements, and adjust playback settings.
Method 1: Using Resolume Arena
Resolume Arena is the primary software that can open and edit DCK files. It is a professional video and lighting software specifically designed for live performances, visual installations, and VJ (video jockey) applications. To open a DCK file in Resolume Arena, follow these steps:
- Launch Resolume Arena on your computer.
- Click on the “File” menu in the top-left corner of the main window.
- Select “Open” and navigate to the location of the DCK file you want to open.
- Double-click on the DCK file to load it into Resolume Arena.
Method 2: Renaming to JSON and Using Text Editor
DCK files are essentially JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) files, which can be opened and viewed with any text editor, such as Notepad, TextEdit, or Sublime Text. To open a DCK file using a text editor, follow these steps:
- Rename the DCK file to a JSON extension, for example, “mydeck.dck” to “mydeck.json”.
- Double-click on the renamed JSON file to open it in your default text editor.
- You can now view the contents of the DCK file in text format. Note that editing the JSON file directly is not recommended, as it could corrupt the DCK file if done incorrectly.
Deck File Format
DCK (Resolume Deck File) is a file extension for saving projects created within the Resolume Arena, Avenue, and Alley video-mixing software applications. These files contain all the necessary project elements, including video clips, audio tracks, effects, and transition settings, enabling users to organize and manage their video presentations. DCK files facilitate easy collaboration and exchange of projects between different Resolume products and users.
DCK File Structure and Usage
Upon saving a Resolume project as a DCK file, it undergoes a compression process, resulting in a smaller file size while preserving the project’s integrity. DCK files serve as a self-contained package, containing all the required media and settings, ensuring portability and compatibility across different Resolume versions and platforms. Resolume users can load and modify DCK files to create dynamic and immersive visual experiences, particularly when combined with external hardware controllers and advanced mapping capabilities.