How to Open an XML Doc

Open your XML files in nearly any document editing program.

Short for Extensible Markup Language, XML is a set of rules and standards that specify how to store and transport data. Unlike HTML, which displays data using text and design elements, XML's focuses on data organization. Because XML files are created and stored in plain text format, nearly any program capable of viewing text-based documents can open an XML file. Once you understand how to specify the proper import settings, opening XML files takes just a few clicks.

Instructions

Using Microsoft WordPad

1. Open Microsoft WordPad.

2. Click "File" in the top menu bar and select "Open," or press the "Ctrl" and "O" keys simultaneously.

3. Click the drop-down menu adjacent to the "File name" field and select the "All Files" option.

4. Navigate to the folder containing the XML file you want to open.

5. Double-click the icon of the XML file to open it and view its contents.

Using OpenOffice.org Writer

1. Open OpenOffice.org Writer.

2. Click "File" in the top menu bar and select "Open," or press the "Ctrl" and "O" keys simultaneously.

3. Click the drop-down menu adjacent to the "File name" field and select the "All Files" option.

4. Navigate to the folder containing the XML file you want to open.

5. Double-click the icon of the XML file to open it and view its contents.

Using Microsoft Notepad

1. Open Microsoft Notepad.

2. Click "File" in the top menu bar and select "Open," or press the "Ctrl" and "O" keys simultaneously.

3. Click the drop-down menu adjacent to the "File name" field and select the "All Files" option.

4. Navigate to the folder containing the XML file you want to open.

5. Double-click the icon of the XML file to open it and view its contents.

References

• Brain Bell: Selecting an XML Editor
• W3 Schools: Introduction to XML