XDP File Extension

What is XDP file?

Files with the extension .XDP contain data packaged in the XML format - XML Data Package. The XDP recording standard was developed by Adobe Systems in 2003 and is based on XML 1.0. It may be a standalone data file of the LiveCycle software with forms or a PDF document wrapped in XML. The format was introduced, among other things, to enable efficient processing of PDF documents in systems that only support files compatible with XML.

Creating XDP Files in Adobe Software

Although XDP files are not widely used, Adobe software still provides support for them. It is possible to convert a PDF to an XDP file in the software thanks to the save as function. Such a file will contain:

• the definition of the XML form template,
• the XML form data schema,
• 64-base encoded PDF file.

An XDP file can be opened in Acrobat, Reader, or Adobe LiveCycle software. The latter application supports business operations.

Support for Files with the .XDP Extension

Files in the XDP format allow for storing XML form data, their patterns, as well as other information and encoded PDF files. These may be defined functions or references to data dictionaries. Within a company's document circulation, it is possible to manage them thanks to various XML-based work tools and web services. Opening and reading part of the XML textual data from the file is also available in any text editor.

Programs which support XDP file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support XDP files. XDP files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/05/2024

How to open file with XDP extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening XDP files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with XDP extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Adobe Acrobat

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening XDP files is that no program that can handle XDP files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Acrobat or different compatible program, such as Adobe Reader, Adobe LiveCycle, Adobe LiveCycle Designer. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Adobe Acrobat website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat

If the problems with opening XDP files still occur even after installing Adobe Acrobat, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe Acrobat is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Adobe Acrobat installed, it may not support XDP format. The latest version of Adobe Acrobat should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open XDP files to Adobe Acrobat

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate XDP files with latest version of Adobe Acrobat you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the XDP file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Adobe Acrobat is installed, check the Always use this app to open XDP files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with XDP extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with XDP extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the XDP is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper XDP file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The XDP may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the XDP is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the XDP file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the XDP file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with XDP extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic XDP file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with XDP extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the XML Data Package file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Adobe Acrobat

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with XDP extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with XML Data Package file. It may be the case that the XDP files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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