File Extension Database

Open VSX File

VSX files, also known as Visio Stencil files, are used by Microsoft Visio, a drawing and diagramming program. These files contain stencils that you can use to create diagrams in the program, and they include information about the shapes, lines, and text you can use when creating diagrams. They are saved in XML format and can be opened with any text editor although some specific applications offer additional features for opening and editing VSX files.

Opening VSX Files with Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio is the primary program used to open VSX files. To open a VSX file in Microsoft Visio, follow these steps:

Start Microsoft Visio.
Click on File > Open.
Browse to the location where your VSX file is saved.
Select the file, and click Open.

Once you've opened the VSX file, you can edit the stencil or use it to create a new diagram.

Opening VSX Files with a Text Editor

Since VSX files are composed in XML language, you can open them with a text editor. Some commonly used text editors for this task include Notepad++ or Atom. Opening a VSX file this way gives you a view of the XML code that composes the stencil. Remember, this method won't allow you to use or edit the stencil in the manner intended. Its main application is for debugging purposes or to recover data from a corrupted VSX file.

Converting VSX Files

In case you need the information contained within the VSX file in a different format, numerous online conversion tools - such as Zamzar - provide options to convert VSX to PDF, PNG, or other formats. Remember that this conversion process might alter your file, and some graphical data might not be properly transformed. Therefore, it is recommended to back up the original VSX file before proceeding with the conversion.

VSX File Important Information

VSX files are instrumental for professionals who regularly use Microsoft Visio for creating advanced diagrams. However, modifying these files may require substantial expertise, particularly if you are altering them using a text editor. Always keep a backup of the original file to prevent loss of important information. Compatibility might also be an issue as Microsoft replaced the VSX format in Visio 2013 and later versions with the VSSX format.

Typical VSX application file locations:

"G:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\VISIO.EXE" /ro "%1"
C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe -nohome

Typical VSX mime types:

application/vnd.visio
application/vnd.ms-visio.viewer

Frequently used application names to open VSX files:

Microsoft Office - Office14
Internet Explorer

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Visio.Stencil.11
VisioViewer.Viewer

How Can I Open VSX File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open VSX file is to find a VSX file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a VSX file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open VSX file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as VSX file opener then try to search online for "VSX viewer", "application to open VSX file" or "open VSX file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open VSX file

How Can I Open VSX File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a VSX file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a VSX file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with VSX file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as VSX file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open VSX file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open VSX file then try to search for "VSX viewer", "application to open VSX file" or "read VSX file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read VSX file

How Can I Open VSX File on Android

If you downloaded a VSX file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded VSX file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "VSX".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "VSX viewer", "VSX file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open VSX File on iPhone or iPad

To open VSX File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the VSX file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "VSX". This way you can find apps which can open VSX files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "VSX viewer" or "VSX file" online in your favorite search engine.

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