.xml XML document
Text & source code
| MIME type | application/xml |
|---|---|
| Description | XML document |
| Acronym | XML – eXtensible Markup Language |
| Category | Text & source code |
| Signature (magic bytes) | 3C 3F 78 6D 6C (<?xml) |
| Based on | text/plain |
| Other extensions | .rng, .xbl, .xsd |
Frequently asked questions
What is a .xml file?
A .xml file is a “XML document” (MIME type application/xml). XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language.
How do I open a .xml file?
With any text editor – Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, or gedit and vim on Linux. The file contains readable text, possibly source code or configuration.
How can you tell a genuine .xml file?
By the bytes at the start of the file, the signature (magic bytes): 3C 3F 78 6D 6C (<?xml). On Linux and macOS, file --mime-type example.xml checks the real type regardless of the extension.
Which format is .xml based on?
Technically a .xml file is a subtype of “Plain text document” (text/plain), so programs for that base format can often read it too.
Which MIME type belongs to .xml?
The MIME type is application/xml. In the Apache web server: AddType application/xml .xml; in nginx: types { application/xml xml; }.