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XPI ZIP
File conversion

Convert XPI to ZIP

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Aug 1, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert XPI to ZIP?
Yes - XPI converts to ZIP.

Rename the .xpi to .zip and open it with any archive manager, or use 7-Zip to open the original without renaming. The bytes inside are identical - no conversion occurs, only an extension change.

Also to ZIP: KGL · IMAZINGAPP · LOCKER

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert XPI to ZIP?

An XPI (Cross-Platform Installer) starts with the standard PK ZIP header bytes and is structurally identical to a .zip archive. Extracting it as a ZIP lets you inspect manifest.json for permissions and add-on metadata, verify archive structure during extension development, or check content before installing an add-on from an untrusted source.

How to convert XPI to ZIP

Rename to .zip FREE

Copy the .xpi file, rename the copy's extension to .zip, and open it with Windows Explorer or macOS Finder - no extra software needed.

7-Zip FREE

Right-click the .xpi directly and choose 7-Zip > Open archive - no renaming needed, 7-Zip opens it as a standard ZIP.

About these formats

.XPI Cross-Platform Installer (Mozilla add-on package)

An XPI file is a Firefox or Thunderbird add-on package - a ZIP archive containing a browser extension or theme. Install it by dragging it onto the Add-ons Manager (about:addons) in Firefox…

Open .XPI details →
.ZIP ZIP Archive

A ZIP file is a compressed archive that stores one or more files in a single smaller package. On Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android you can open it without installing anything - just…

Open .ZIP details →

Quality & what to watch

  • An .xpi starts with the PK ZIP header bytes - it is structurally identical to a .zip and any archive tool will accept it.
  • AMO-signed .xpi files contain a META-INF/ folder with Mozilla's cryptographic signature; re-packing after edits removes that signature and Firefox release builds will block the install.
  • The manifest.json at the archive root is plain text listing the add-on name, version, and all requested permissions - worth checking on any add-on from an untrusted source.

Frequently asked questions

Does the file size change when I rename XPI to ZIP?
No - the bytes inside are identical; only the extension label changes.
Can I edit files inside and repack them as a working XPI?
Yes, but the repacked file will be unsigned; Firefox release and beta builds block unsigned add-ons - use Developer Edition or Nightly for testing.
Does 7-Zip need the file renamed before opening?
No - 7-Zip recognizes the ZIP structure inside an .xpi and opens it directly without renaming.