File Extension Database

Open RELS File

A RELS format file is a metadata file contained inside Microsoft Open Office Open Office XML documents.

RELS type of files stores XML specifications for how the "parts" of a "package" are connected to form a document.

RELS files are stored in a _rels directory of an Open Office XML document.

RELS files are not intended to be opened manually, however, being an XML file, it contains editable text. You should not edit the content as it may render the document that contains the RELS file unusable. Instead, use the file is referenced by the Microsoft Office application that opens the document that contains the RELS file.

Software to open RELS files

As noticed before, the RELS files should not be opened or edited, however, you can open it, after changing the Open Office document extension to ZIP, and then looking for the _rels folder. In this folder you will find the RELS file, which you can open with the following software package:

Notepad ++

Typical RELS application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\MSOXMLED.EXE /verb open "%1"
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE14\MSOXMLED.EXE" /verb open "%1"

Frequently used application names to open RELS files:

Common Files
Common Files - Microsoft Shared - OFFICE14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

xmlfile

How Can I Open RELS File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open RELS file is to find a RELS file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a RELS 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 RELS 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 RELS file opener then try to search online for "RELS viewer", "application to open RELS file" or "open RELS file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open RELS file

How Can I Open RELS File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a RELS file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a RELS 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 RELS file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as RELS file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open RELS file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open RELS file then try to search for "RELS viewer", "application to open RELS file" or "read RELS file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read RELS file

How Can I Open RELS File on Android

If you downloaded a RELS 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 RELS 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 "RELS".
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 "RELS viewer", "RELS 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 RELS File on iPhone or iPad

To open RELS 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 RELS 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 "RELS". This way you can find apps which can open RELS 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 "RELS viewer" or "RELS file" online in your favorite search engine.

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