XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. XML is a text-based markup language and it defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. This programing language is developed by World Wide Web Consortium and the first version of this language was released in 1996. With this language, the programmer can share data across the World Wide Web, intranets, and elsewhere.
XML files are text files and they contain custom tags to describe the structure and other features of the document. Anyone can open, edit, or create an XML file. There are many ways you can open an XML file if you are a Mac user. In this article, our experts have elaborated few proven methods that will help you open an XML files on a MAC computer. So read the article thoroughly to know the details.
Why XML Is Important?
There are many reasons XML files are important. Some of the key reasons are:
1. XML language allows user to create their specialized languages and easily exchange the data
2. XML tries to create an interoperable set of conventions for data exchange same as the JSON is used for today
3. XML is used as a base for different languages like:
a) Docbookand DITA (publishing)
b) SVG (graphics)
c) MATHML (graphics)
d) CML (chemical representations)
Method 1 – Using A Text Editor
This is a very simple way of opening an XML file. Every computer has a text editor and you can easily use the text editor to open the XML file. Now follow the instructions carefully:
1. First, locate the XML file that you want to open
2. Now right-click on the XML file and from the available options click on “Open With”
3. Then from the available options select “TextEdit” and click on the Open button
4. The XML file will open on the Text Editor
Method 2 – Open XML File With A Web Browser
You can also open an XML file with a web browser. Opening an XML file with a web browser makes it a little bit easier to navigate the file because most browsers automatically indent nested tags so you can collapse each section of the XML tree which is very convenient. Now follow these simple steps:
1. First, locate the XML file that you want to open
2. Now right-click on the XML file and from the available options click on “Open With”
3. Then from the available option select any available web browser and click on the Open button
4. The XML file will open on the web browser
Method 3 – Open XML File Using Excel
You can also open an XML file with Excel. When you open an XML file with excel, it converts the file into a table so you can visually process the information which is very handy in certain situations. So, follow the below steps:
1. First, open the Excel program on your computer
2. Now click on the file menu and from the drop-down menu select “Open”
3. Then click the Browse button from the open menu display
4. Look for the XML file that you want to open
5. Once you locate the file, select it, and click on the Open button
6. Now the XML file will open on the Excel
7. Finally, select “As an XML table.” This will convert the XML file into an Excel table
Method 4 – Using XML Explorer
If you have to deal with lots of XML files then it is best for you to use an XML viewer program. XML Explorer is a very popular application to handle lots of XML files with ease. XML Explorer is a free open-source reader. This app will let you collapse sections of XML files, turn syntax highlighting on and off, edits, and create additional entries, etc. Now follow these steps:
1. First, download and install the XML Explorer on your computer
2. Once the installation is completed, launch the app on your computer
3. Now click on the file menu and from the drop-down menu select “Open”
4. Then click the Browse button from the open menu display
5. Look for the XML file that you want to open
5. Once you locate the file, select it, and click on the Open button
6. Now the XML file will open on the XML Explorer
Final Thoughts
I hope this article helps you open the XML file on the Mac computer. If you facing trouble opening XML files, then feel free to ask any questions in the comment section. Our experts will provide you with the right solution.
FAQ
What Is The Best Way To Open An XML File?
Opening an XML file can be a daunting task. There are several ways this can be accomplished, including using the default Windows 10 app to open the file, opening it in File Explorer, or using a third-party application. All of these methods have pros and cons, with the downside being that not all third-party apps are free.
What Is The Best Way To Open XML Files On A Mac?
Many people ask how to open XML files on a Mac. To do so, use the TextEdit application that comes pre-installed with your operating system. With this application, you can view and edit basic text formatting attributes such as font size, font type, word wrap, and line spacing. In order to edit the content of an XML file, you must first save it as a plain text file from within Text Edit or any other word processing program compatible with the Mac operating system.
What Is The Best Way To Open XML Files On Windows?
The best way to open XML files on Windows is to use an XML editor. Some examples of these are Dreamweaver, Microsoft Expression Blend, and Microsoft Visual Studio. Some people say that you need XML editors if you are working with large or complicated XML files.
How Do I Open An XML File With A Specific Extension?
The extension is the first thing you have to know when opening an XML file. You may need to contact the association that owns the software to find out what type of XML file it is. For example, .xml files are typically used with Microsoft Word. If this is not the case, then another extension will be needed, such as .xls for Excel or .docx for Word documents.