GKS File – What is .gks file and how to open it?

GKS File Format

A Graphics Kernel System (GKS) file is a computer file that stores graphical data in a format that can be interpreted and displayed by a variety of graphics software programs. GKS files are typically used for storing two-dimensional computer graphics, such as line drawings, charts, and graphs.

The GKS file format is a standard that was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the 1980s. The GKS standard defines a set of commands that can be used to create and manipulate graphical objects. These commands can be used to create a wide variety of graphical objects, including lines, circles, filled polygons, and text.

GKS files can be created using a variety of software programs, including graphics editors, CAD programs, and programming languages. Once a GKS file is created, it can be opened and displayed by a variety of graphics software programs. GKS files are portable, which means that they can be transferred between different types of computers and operating systems. GKS is still widely used in the computer graphics industry, despite the advent of newer file formats such as PDF and SVG.

Understanding GKS Files

GKS (Graphics Kernel System) files are a standardized file format used for storing graphical data. This file format was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to provide a common language for exchanging graphical data between different software applications and graphics devices. GKS files contain a collection of graphical primitives, such as lines, polygons, and text, which can be rendered on a variety of output devices.

Accessing GKS Files

To open and view GKS files, you will need software that supports the GKS standard. There are several software applications available that can open and interpret GKS files, including:

• gksviewer: A free and open-source GKS viewer available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Graphviz: A free graph visualization software that can open and convert GKS files into various formats.
• MATLAB: A commercial numerical computing environment that includes built-in support for GKS graphics.

Once you have selected a suitable software application, you can simply load the GKS file into the software. The software will interpret the GKS primitives and display the corresponding graphical image on the screen. You may also have options to adjust the display settings, such as the zoom level and background color.

Graphics Kernel System File (GKS)

The Graphics Kernel System (GKS) file extension (.GKS) denotes a file format specifically designed for encoding and storing graphical data in a standardized manner. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), GKS provides a comprehensive framework for representing a wide range of graphical objects, including lines, curves, polylines, markers, and text. The format is widely utilized in computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and other engineering and scientific applications where accurate and portable representation of graphical information is crucial.

GKS files employ a hierarchical structure to organize graphical elements, with each element defined by a set of attributes that control its appearance and behavior. This hierarchical organization allows for efficient manipulation and rendering of complex graphical scenes. The format supports transformations such as translation, rotation, scaling, and shearing, enabling precise positioning and manipulation of objects within a virtual coordinate system. Additionally, GKS provides capabilities for defining colors, linestyles, and other visual properties, ensuring consistent rendering across different devices and platforms.

Other Extensions