NLT File – What is .nlt file and how to open it?

What is a NLT File?

A NLT file, also known as a Windows Transliteration File, is a text file that contains information used by Microsoft’s operating systems to enable users to input text in different languages. It includes a set of rules that define how characters in one language are mapped to characters in another. This allows users to type in their native language, even if their keyboard does not have the necessary characters.

For example, a NLT file might contain a set of rules that define how to map Cyrillic characters to Latin characters. This would allow a Russian speaker to type in Cyrillic on a keyboard that only has Latin characters. The operating system would then use the NLT file to translate the Cyrillic characters into Latin characters, so that they could be displayed on the screen and saved to a file.

Opening NLT Files Using Microsoft Language Pack

NLT files are associated with Microsoft Language Pack, a bundle of language-specific resources used by Windows to localize the operating system. These files contain transliteration rules that enable users to input non-Latin text using their standard Latin keyboard layout. To open an NLT file, you will need to install the appropriate Microsoft Language Pack for your desired language. Once installed, you can access the NLT file by double-clicking on it. Windows will automatically load the file into the Language Pack and apply the specified transliteration rules.

Alternative Methods for Opening NLT Files

In certain cases, you may encounter difficulties opening NLT files. If you do not have the required Microsoft Language Pack installed, there are alternative methods to access the file’s contents. One option involves using a text editor that supports Unicode encoding. By opening the NLT file in a text editor, you can view the raw text data, including the transliteration rules. However, it is important to note that editing the file’s contents may corrupt the file and prevent it from functioning properly. Another alternative is to locate and download the specific Microsoft Language Pack that corresponds to the NLT file. Once installed, you should be able to open the NLT file as described in the previous paragraph.

Nature and Usage of NLT Files

NLT files, short for Windows Transliteration Files, are proprietary data files employed by the Microsoft Windows operating system. These files contain language-specific rules for transliterating text from one character set to another. For instance, an NLT file for the Japanese language would provide instructions on how to convert Roman characters into Japanese Kanji or Hiragana characters.

Transliteration, in this context, refers to the process of representing text in a different script or character set while preserving its original pronunciation. NLT files play a crucial role in facilitating cross-language communication and text processing. By enabling the conversion of text between different character sets, they allow users to access and interact with content in their native languages, regardless of the original language it was written in.

Technical Details and Compatibility

NLT files are typically stored as binary files with a file size ranging from a few kilobytes to several megabytes. The internal structure of an NLT file consists of a header followed by a series of transliteration rules. These rules specify the mapping between characters in the source character set and the target character set.

It’s important to note that NLT files are specifically designed for use with the Microsoft Windows operating system. They are not compatible with other platforms or operating systems. Additionally, NLT files are language-specific, meaning that a separate file is required for each language that needs to be transliterated.

Other Extensions