┌─ FILE ANALYSIS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┐
│ DEVELOPER : Google
│ CATEGORY : Executable
│ MIME TYPE : application/vnd.android.package-archive
│ MAGIC BYTES : 504B0304
└ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┘
What is an APK file?
APK (Android Package Kit) is the file format used to distribute and install applications on Android devices. An APK is essentially a ZIP archive containing compiled code (DEX), resources, assets, certificates, and a manifest file.
How to open APK files
- Android — Tap to install (with “Install from unknown sources” enabled)
- Android Emulator — ADB install
- APK Editor Studio (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free
- jadx (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Decompiler
- 7-Zip — View contents as ZIP
Technical specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | ZIP archive |
| Code | DEX (Dalvik Executable) |
| Manifest | AndroidManifest.xml |
| Signing | APK v1, v2, v3 signature schemes |
| Resources | Compiled XML, assets, drawables |
Programs that open APK files
- Android Device — Native installation
- Android Studio — Official development IDE
- APKTool — Reverse engineering tool
- jadx — DEX to Java decompiler
- BlueStacks — Android emulator for PC
Common use cases
- App distribution: Sideloading apps outside Play Store
- App testing: Internal test builds
- App backup: Backing up installed applications
- Modding: Modified application packages