What Is an MPK File?

Some MPK files are map packages, and others are memory packs

By
Tim Fisher
Photo of Tim Fisher, Lifewire GM and Writer
Tim Fisher
Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability
  • Emporia State University
Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on December 6, 2022

What to Know

  • Some MPK files are map packages that open with ArcGIS. Use its Project > Save As menu to convert the file.
  • Other MPK files could be memory packs used with Project64.

This article explains what an MPK file is, how to open one, and how to convert one to a different file format.

What Is an MPK File?

A file with the MPK file extension is an ArcGIS map package file that contains map data (layouts, embedded objects, and more) in one file that's easy to distribute. It also includes a map document (.MXD file).

The MPK file extension is also used for Project64 memory pack files used by Nintendo 64 emulators.

MPK files in Windows 10 that open with ArcGIS Pro

If what you have is a video file, it's more than likely an MKV file that you're misreading as an MPK file.​ See the bottom of this page for other similar-looking file extensions that you might be confusing for an MPK file.

How to Open an MPK File

Map packages and documents (MPK and MXD files) can be opened with Esri's ArcGIS program (v10 and newer).

With ArcGIS open, you should be able to drag the MPK file directly into the program. Another way is to right-click the MPK file and select Unpack. The package will unpack to the user's \Documents\ArcGIS\Packages\ folder.

MPK memory packs can be opened with Project64.

If you find that an application on your PC attempts to open the MPK file, but it's the wrong application, or if you would rather have another installed program open that file, see How to Change File Associations in Windows to learn how to make a different program open MPK files.

How to Convert an MPK File

You should be able to convert an ArcGIS MPK file using that program.

  1. With the file open in ArcGIS, select Project.

    A map in ArcGIS.

  2. Select Save As.

    Selecting Save as in ArcGIS.

  3. Give the project a new name and select Save.

    Giving the file a name.

You can't convert MPK to MP4, AVI, or any other video format because MPKs aren't videos. However, MKV files are video files, and so they can be converted to other video file formats with a free video converter.

Still Can't Open the File?

It's easy to misread another file's extension as .MPK, even if the two formats are unrelated and can't be used with the same software. If your file doesn't open with the programs mentioned above, there's a good chance it's not an MPK file.

Some file types that look similar to MPK files include MPL, MPLS, MPN, and MAP. Another is KMP, which is a Korg Trinity/Triton keymap that opens with Awave Studio.

MPKG is a tricky one that's identical to MPK, with just one extra letter at the end. These are meta packages used by Mac computers.

If you find that your file doesn't use the .MPK file extension, research the file extension that it is using to learn more about the format and, hopefully, find a valid program that can open, edit, or convert it.

FAQ
  • How do I edit shapefiles from an MPK package?

    In ArcMap, go to Customize > Toolbars > Editor > Start Editing. Select the shapefile and click OK to begin editing. Select Save Edits > Stop Editing when you are done.

  • How do I save an ArcMap as an MPK file?

    In ArcMap, go to File > Share As > Map Package. Enter a name for the new map package, choose where to save it, and specify additional files you want to include. Next, enter a description, select Analyze to check for errors, and select Share to create the file.

Was this page helpful?