GLKSAVE File

What are GLKSAVE files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a GLKSAVE file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your GLKSAVE files.

What is a GLKSAVE file?

GLKSAVE files have multiple uses, and Glulx Blorb Save is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Glulx Blorb Save File

A Glulx Blorb Save File (extension .glksave) is a save-game snapshot for interactive fiction games running under the Glulx virtual machine. It records the entire state of a game - such as memory, variable contents, and player position - so that play can be resumed exactly where it was left off using an interpreter like Windows Frotz.

This file is produced by the interpreter when you issue a save command during a Glulx-format game (often produced by Inform 7 or Inform when compiled in Glulx mode). The saved state includes dynamic memory, the call stack, and execution location. To restore play you load this .glksave file in the same interpreter using the same game's story file; otherwise compatibility issues (different versions or story files) may prevent the restore from working correctly. This format permits interoperability to some extent: the save structure is based on the Quetzal standard used across interactive-fiction interpreters.

Technically this save format uses the IFF (Interchange File Format) structure known from Quetzal. Each file begins with a FORM chunk header 'IFZS'. It may include chunks like IFhd for identifying the story file (serial number, release, checksum), chunks CMem or UMem for dynamic memory (compressed or uncompressed data), and stack data (Stks). In the Glulx variant, memory-saving starts at RAMSTART rather than address zero, and when using compressed memory (CMem), space beyond EXTSTART is treated as though initialized to zero.

How to open GLKSAVE files

We have identified one GLKSAVE opener that is compatible with this specific type of GLKSAVE file.

Programs that open Glulx Blorb Save files

Last updated: August 6, 2026

All known file formats using extension .GLKSAVE

While Glulx Blorb Save File is a popular type of GLKSAVE-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .GLKSAVE file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Inform 7/Glulxe Save Data

We know that one GLKSAVE format is Inform 7/Glulxe Save Data. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

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