What is the INK file format?
.ink files are associated with MimioStudio, an interactive-whiteboard authoring application used primarily in classroom and presentation settings.
.ink files store lesson and presentation content, including:
- diagrams,
- charts,
- images,
- handwritten notes.
Content elements can be cut and pasted, scaled and rotated, or have their layout and alignment changed. The format functions as a proprietary binary container for all notebook page data - supporting multiple pages per document and editable ink strokes captured from stylus or pen input - rather than a simple vector graphics file.
Mimio software was originally released in 1997, when drawing tablets were not as common. It was designed as educational software for classroom usage alongside interactive whiteboards and video projectors. The first Mimio drawing tablet was introduced in 2008 under the name Mimio Pad. Since then, Mimio has developed many hardware and software solutions for enhanced interactive classroom experiences. In February 2016, Mimio was acquired by Boxlight Corporation, which continues to develop and support MimioStudio. Modern MimioStudio tools are available for dedicated Mimio devices as well as many notebooks, desktop, and mobile devices.
The .ink format is proprietary and closed - no binary specification or stable magic-byte signature has been published. Similar interactive-whiteboard lesson formats include the .IWB open standard, .NOTEBOOK files from SMART Notebook, and .FLIPCHART files used by Promethean ActivInspire.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWA MimioStudio .ink notebook is passive lesson content (drawings, text, images) and is not a known malware vector. The only practical risk is sourcing the software: download MimioStudio only from Boxlight's official site, not from third-party "free .ink viewer" pages, which are often adware-laden and won't actually open the proprietary format.
Format details
in a nutshell- Microsoft Internet Shortcut (mistaken for .url/.lnk) - Users sometimes confuse .ink with .lnk (Windows shortcut); they are unrelated and .ink is not a Windows shortcut.
Programs that open INK files
Windows1 app
MimioStudio
Free Install MimioStudio (free from Boxlight), then File > Open the .ink in MimioStudio Notebook. 
macOS1 app
MimioStudio
Free Install the macOS build of MimioStudio from Boxlight, then open the .ink in Notebook. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | Boxlight Corporation (formerly Mimio, then DYMO Mimio) |
| Format type | Proprietary binary interactive-whiteboard notebook container |
| File encoding | Binary (proprietary, closed format) |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
| File signature (magic bytes) | No published stable signature; identify by software origin rather than by bytes |
| Primary application | MimioStudio (Windows and macOS) |
| Primary use case | Classroom lesson authoring and interactive-whiteboard delivery |
| Multi-page support | Yes - a single .ink file may contain multiple notebook pages |
| Content types | Text, shapes, images, handwritten ink strokes, diagrams, charts, and embedded media |
| Ink stroke support | Yes - captures stylus and pen input as editable ink strokes |
| Interactivity | Supports interactive lesson elements such as links, animations, and media playback |
| Open format | No - binary layout is not publicly documented |
| Related formats | .iwb (open IWB standard), .notebook (SMART Notebook), .flipchart (ActivInspire), .mcf (MimioConnect) |
| Platform support | Windows and macOS via MimioStudio; no published third-party viewer |
| Whiteboard hardware | Designed for use with Mimio interactive whiteboards, projectors, and Mimio Pad tablets |
| Released | Mimio Studio / MimioStudio interactive-whiteboard suite (Mimio acquired by Boxlight, Feb 29 2016) |
| Specification | boxlight.com |
INK conversions
Community Q&A
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