bek

.bek — Blender Encoded Keyframe

Blender Foundation · 2011

Developer

Blender Foundation

Key Features

Stores Blender-specific animation keyframes.
Facilitates transfer of animation data.
Efficient binary encoding for smaller file sizes.
Supports animation of object properties over time.

Best For

Storing and transferring animation data within Blender projects.
Efficiently packaging complex keyframe animations.
Collaborating on animated scenes in Blender.
Preserving animation states for later use.

Less Ideal For

General animation interchange with other 3D software (use FBX, glTF).
Storing 3D model geometry (use .blend, .obj, .fbx).
Storing textures or material definitions.
Video rendering or final output formats.

Common Use Cases

Exporting animation from one Blender scene to import into another.
Sharing animation sequences with other Blender users.
Archiving specific animation clips from a larger project.
Creating reusable animation assets within Blender.

How to Open It

Open Blender (version 2.5+ recommended).
Navigate to the 'File' menu and select 'Import'.
Choose 'Blender Encoded Keyframe (.bek)' from the import options.
Locate and select your .bek file to import the animation data into the current scene.

What is a .bek file?

A .bek file stores animation data specifically for use within the Blender 3D creation suite. It is designed to efficiently package keyframe information, including the position, rotation, and scale of objects over time. This format allows animators to export and import animation sequences between different Blender projects or even share them with collaborators. While not a universal animation format, it serves as a specialized tool for Blender users to manage and transfer their animated elements effectively.

Programs That Open .bek Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Blender	Free	Official
macOS	Blender	Free	Official
Linux	Blender	Free	Official

How to Convert .bek Files

Format	Method
.BLEND	Import .bek into Blender, then save as .blend

Common Problems with .bek Files

⚠️ Cannot open .bek file directly in other software.

.bek files are specific to Blender. You must import them into Blender first, and then potentially export to a more universal format like FBX or glTF if needed for other applications.

⚠️ Animation does not appear correctly after import.

Ensure you are using a compatible version of Blender. Check that the original animation was exported correctly and that no custom nodes or scripts specific to the original scene are missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .bek a video format?▼

No, a .bek file stores animation data (keyframes) within Blender, not a rendered video sequence. To get a video, you need to render the animation from within Blender using formats like MP4 or AVI.

Can I edit .bek files directly?▼

You cannot edit the raw binary .bek file directly with a text editor. You can edit the animation data it represents by importing it into Blender and manipulating the keyframes in the animation editors.

What versions of Blender support .bek?▼

The .bek format was introduced around Blender version 2.5 and is generally supported by most subsequent versions.

Technical Details

The .bek format is a binary file structure that serializes Blender's internal animation data. It primarily contains keyframe curves, node transformations, and other animation-related properties defined within a Blender scene. This efficient binary encoding ensures compact file sizes and fast loading times for animation sequences within Blender.

Did You Know?

The 'bek' extension stands for 'Blender Encoded Keyframe'.

This format is optimized for Blender's internal data structures, making it very efficient for use within the software.

Security Information

Like most binary file formats, .bek files could potentially contain malicious code if altered by untrusted sources. Always obtain .bek files from reputable sources and ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date.