How to open a .kt file
Quick, free ways to open Kotlin on any system.
A .kt file is a Kotlin Source File. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads Kotlin yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .kt file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .kt. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with IntelliJ IDEA or Android Studio.
- On Mac, use IntelliJ IDEA or Android Studio.
- On Linux, try IntelliJ IDEA or Android Studio.
- Still stuck? Convert the .kt to class (bytecode), which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .kt files
Windows
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Android Studio
- VS Code
macOS
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Android Studio
- VS Code
Linux
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Android Studio
- VS Code
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Before you open it: Caution. A .kt file is program source. Compiling and running it executes its code; review untrusted files first.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .kt file?
Almost always because no installed app understands Kotlin. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I run a .kt file?
Compile with kotlinc file.kt then run on the JVM, or build it inside IntelliJ IDEA or Android Studio.
Is Kotlin better than Java for Android?
Google recommends Kotlin for new Android apps because it is more concise and safer around null values, while still working with existing Java code.