DEK File – What is .dek file and how to open it?
DEK File Extension
Magic: The Gathering Deck File – file format by Wizards of the Coast
DEK (Magic: The Gathering Deck File) is a file extension for a format developed by Wizards of the Coast used to store decks in the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. It contains information about the cards in the deck, including their quantity, name, and card number.
DEK File Format
A DEK file is a Magic: The Gathering Deck File, a digital representation of a deck of cards used in the popular collectible card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, the DEK file format allows players to create, save, and share their decks online or with other users. It contains a list of all the cards in the deck, their quantities, and any additional information associated with them. DEK files are typically created using third-party deckbuilding software or directly through Magic: The Gathering’s online platforms.
Importance and Usage
DEK files play a crucial role in the digital ecosystem of Magic: The Gathering. They facilitate the creation and organization of decks, which are essential for gameplay. Players can easily experiment with different card combinations and strategies by creating multiple DEK files. Additionally, DEK files allow players to share their decks with friends or online communities, fostering collaboration and deck-building ideas. The format’s portability and compatibility across various platforms make it widely accessible to Magic: The Gathering players of all levels.
Using Magic: The Gathering Online (MTGO)
Magic: The Gathering Online (MTGO) is a virtual tabletop client that allows players to play the Magic: The Gathering card game online. It supports the .DEK file format, enabling players to save and load their custom decks. To open a .DEK file using MTGO:
- Launch MTGO and log in to your account.
- Click on the “Decks” tab and then the “Import Deck” button.
- Locate the .DEK file on your computer and select it.
- The deck will be imported into MTGO, and you can access it from the “My Decks” list.
Using Third-Party Software
If you do not have MTGO installed, there are several third-party software options available that support the .DEK file format. These programs allow you to view, edit, and export .DEK files. Some popular options include:
- DeckCheck: A free and open-source tool that allows you to view and edit .DEK files.
- Magic Workstation: A commercial software program that provides a platform for playing the Magic: The Gathering game online, including support for .DEK files.
- Cockatrice: A free and open-source online multiplayer platform for playing the Magic: The Gathering game, featuring support for .DEK files.
DEK File Format Overview
A DEK file (Magic: The Gathering Deck File) serves as a specialized digital container for storing and managing decks from the popular collectible card game, Magic: The Gathering. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, the DEK format provides a structured representation of a deck’s contents, including card names, quantities, and additional metadata.
Compared to plain text decklists, DEK files offer several advantages. They facilitate seamless deck building and management within digital interfaces, enabling players to easily import, export, and share their creations. The standardized format ensures compatibility across various deck management software, providing consistent deck handling and eliminating potential errors.