File Extension Database

Open XML File

A file with the XML extension consists of an Extensible Markup Language file, hence the acronym, which consists of a plain text file that uses a series of custom tags in order to describe both the structure and other characteristics of the document, or even, the behavior of a specific program.

Basically, XML consists of a markup language created by the W3C, in order to define a syntax for encoding documents that both users and the machines themselves may be able to read.

For this, the XML makes use of a series of tags that define the structure of the document in question, as well as how it should be transported and stored.

The XML file is similar to HTML (Another Markup Language), used essentially for the encoding of web pages, and that uses a set of predefined markup symbols that describe the format of the content of a web page.

However, one of the aspects that differentiates XML from HTML is that it is extensible.

XML does not have a predefined markup language, but rather offers the possibility for users to generate their markup symbols for the content description itself.

This means that creating a set of symbols that is characterized by being self-defined and unlimited, making the XML more versatile and customizable.

For this reason, in an XML file we find both labels and text, and the labels provide structure to the data.

An example of an XML file is found in the 2007 and later versions of Microsoft Office, which use it for the structure of the document itself.

That is why every time we save a document in Word or Excel, for example, the file extension will contain an 'X' at the end, for example XSLX or DOCX.

Open an XML file

Working with XML files is pretty easy, even for beginners.

In fact, there are different methods available to open an XML file, since it is a plain text file.

In many cases it will be enough to open and edit it with a text editor, or it is even possible to open it and view it with the help of a web browser.

Software to open an XML file

Typical XML application file locations:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\INFOPATH.EXE" "%1"
C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\Opera.exe "%1"
"g:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe" /dde
c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe" /dde
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\vsta.exe" /dde
c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\vsta.exe /dde
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\vsta.exe" /dde
C:\PROGRA~2\MIC273~1\WEB2~1\WEBDES~1\EXPRWD.EXE "%1"

Typical XML mime types:

text/xml

Frequently used application names to open XML files:

Microsoft Office - Office14
Opera
Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0
Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0
Microsoft Visual Studio 8

Frequently associated Windows objects:

AptanaStudio.xml
InfoPath.Document.3
Opera.HTML
VisualStudio.xml.10.0
VisualStudio.xml.9.0
VSTA.xml.8.0
VSTA.xml.9.0
XWeb.xml.12.0

How Can I Open XML File on Windows

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

How Can I Open XML File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open XML File on Android

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

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

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