You have plenty of options to open an XML file on Mac. You can use the built-in TextEdit to view and edit an XML. You can use both Microsoft Word and Excel to open an XML. Or, you can use an XML editor to open and edit your XML file with style. Some of the best XML editors include EditX, Visual Studio Code, and XML Notepad for Mac.
Are you trying to open an XML file on your Mac but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re a tech novice or an experienced user, it can be daunting to try and open something that appears unfamiliar.
Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. In this article, you’ll learn all the best ways to open an XML file on your Mac. Some options will cost a good chunk of change, and others will be completely free.
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1. How to Open an XML File Online Using a Browser
If you don’t care about editing your XML file and you just want to view it, you can use any web browser, such as Safari or Chrome. The procedures for doing so are similar across all browsers.
- To start, open Finder, and locate the XML file you want to open.
- Then, right-click on the file and select Open With.
- You’ll then see a list of possible programs to use, including your favorite internet browser. Click on the browser of your choice.
- Your XML file will load up, allowing you to read it.
Another option is to open your browser and drag the XML file into it.
2. How to Open an XML File Using TextEdit (Build-in Text Editor)
Your Mac has a built-in text editor named TextEdit. This is not a flashy or good-looking application, but it will get the job done.
TextEdit will not only allow you to read XML files but allow you to edit them as well. To open an XML file with Text Edit:
- Open up Finder.
- Locate your XML file.
- Right-click on your file, then select Open With.
- Out of the list of programs displayed, click on TextEdit.
- You can now read and edit your XML file.
3. How To Open XML File In Excel
The advantage of using Microsoft Excel to open an XML file is that it makes editing easier than using a text editor. With the ability to format and manipulate data, you can use Excel to quickly create a clean output from your XML files.
If you need to troubleshoot any issues, Microsoft also has a built-in XML validator that can help you identify any errors in your file before you start manipulating it.
You can also use Excel to transform an XML file into other formats, such as HTML, CSV, and JSON.
To open an XML file in Excel:
- Launch Microsoft Excel.
- Select the File tab.
- Under File Types, click XML Data. You will see the Open XML dialog box pop up.
- Locate, then select the XML file you want to open.
- Select Open.
- The data from the XML file will now be readable on the spreadsheet that opens up.
After opening the XML file in Excel, you will be able to edit the data within it. To save your changes, click on
Save As and select
XML as the file type
If you don’t have Excel on your Mac, you can visit the
official website to go over the price plans.
4. How To Open XML File In Word
In Microsoft Word, you can open an XML file by clicking the “File” tab and then selecting
Open from the list on the left.
You should then locate and select your XML file in the pop-up window to open it. Once opened, you may need to click
Enable Content if a security warning pops up. The XML file will then be displayed in a new window.
If Word does not display the XML file correctly, click the
Developer tab and then select
Source from the XML group. This is the best way to open an XML file in Word since it will display all of the formatting options.
If you don’t see the Developer tab on your Word ribbon, go to the
File tab and click
Options. Under the
Customize Ribbon section in the right pane, make sure that
Developer is checked in the list of Main Tabs. Then click
OK to save your changes.
You can also open XML files in Word by changing their extension from .xml to .docx. To do this:
- Locate the file through Finder.
- Right-click the file and select Rename from the list of options.
- Then delete .xml at the end of the file name and change it to .docx.
Now you can open the XML file as if it were a Word document. However, this option may not always work correctly since some features of an XML file may be lost in the conversion.
If you do not have Word on your Mac, you can visit the
official website to go over the price plans.
Use An XML Editor
XML gives your document a complex but useful structure. An XML Editor can automatically format your nodes for you, so they are easy to read and understand.
An XML Editor can also suggest proper syntax and identify any errors in your code.
Here are the three best XML Editors you can find for your Mac:
5. EditX
EditX was designed with designers and agencies in mind. This feature-rich XML editor is packed with many editing features to help streamline your workflow.
Not only does it support a Visual Schema Editor to make editing your XML file easier, but it also features an XSLT debugger in case you need to debug your XML document.
Price: $119 for the small business license.
6. Visual Studio Code
Out of all the XML editors and viewers, Visual Studio Code is one of the best available for Mac and Windows systems. Not to mention, it’s open-source!
VS Code supports many programming languages as well as markup languages; in your case scenario, XML is supported by default.
If you’re looking for a free XML editor, check out
Visual Studio Code.
Price: Free
7. XML Notepad for MAC
XML Notepad is a user-friendly XML editor that is perfect for those who are non-programmers and need to edit an XML file. This tool will show your document in a tree structure format, making it easy to understand and follow.
XML Notepad is a very affordable option that’s worth looking into.
Price: $0.99
I hope you enjoyed reading about how to open XML files on your Mac. As you can see, there are plenty of options for you to choose from, and not all of them break the bank.
If you know anyone who needs to open an XML on their Mac, please send them this article.