What is a .HDK file?
The .HDK file extension is associated with a type of file known as a HotDocs Registration File. This kind of file is specifically used by a software called HotDocs, which is designed to help users prepare documents. Inside an HDK file, there is a special code called a publisher key. This key is very important because it allows people who create documents (like forms or templates) to register these documents for commercial use when they are using the HotDocs Player. This means that if someone wants to sell or distribute their created templates to others, they need this key to do so legally and properly.
When someone buys this service or feature from HotDocs, a sales representative from HotDocs will give them an HDK file. This file is not meant to be opened and read like a text document or a picture. Instead, you need to place this file into a specific folder where the HotDocs software is installed on your computer. To use this file, you don't open it in the traditional sense. After you have placed the HDK file into the HotDocs installation folder on your computer, the HotDocs software will recognize it. Once the software knows the HDK file is there, it unlocks or provides new options within the software. These new options are mainly for people who are publishing sets of templates. This means they can now register their templates for commercial use, thanks to the publisher key contained within the HDK file.
The main program that uses and opens this .HDK file extension is HotDocs itself. There aren't other programs mentioned that can open or use this file because it is specifically designed for activating certain features within the HotDocs software. So, if you ever receive an HDK file, remember it's not for viewing but for enabling additional capabilities in your HotDocs software by simply placing it in the correct folder.
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