Keyman Desktop compiled keyboard data
File type: Various data file
A .kmx file is a compiled keyboard file used by Keyman Desktop on Microsoft Windows.
It contains the compiled rules and metadata that Keyman uses to provide a custom keyboard layout.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: October 25, 2026
Keyman Desktop, developed by SIL International, allows users to type with keyboard layouts for different languages and specialized writing systems. A .kmx file is the compiled form of a Keyman keyboard.
The file is generated from a .kmn keyboard source file. It contains compressed .kmn source, compiled keyboard rules, and additional ICO/BMP files for use by Keyman Desktop.
The format is associated with the Windows desktop version of Keyman and remains part of its installed keyboard files. Keyman Developer can compile the source keyboard, while Keyman Desktop loads the resulting .kmx file for everyday use.
On Microsoft Windows, install the keyboard with Keyman Desktop. The program loads the .kmx file as part of the installed keyboard rather than displaying it as a normal document.
To inspect or change the keyboard rules, use the original .kmn source file in Keyman Developer and compile it again.
Conversion to other formats is not possible for a .kmx file.
If the original .kmn source is available, edit it in Keyman Developer and compile a new .kmx file. The compiled file alone is not a substitute for the source.
Software applications that can open kmx files:
Microsoft Windows
Software applications that can edit kmx files:
Microsoft Windows
Software capable of saving kmx files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that create kmx files:
Microsoft Windows
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