XAR File Extension

What is XAR file?

XAR files are used by Xara, a family of software for creating and editing vector graphics.

Contents of XAR files

XAR files contain images created or edited using Xara, for example:

• pictures,
• web graphics (buttons, banners),
• utility graphics (ads, logos),
• technical drawings,
• illustrations, images, graphs,
• comic book images.

XAR stores graphics in vector format, that is using simple geometric shapes. XAR files contain descriptions of said shapes and their attributes (for example, line thickness). This allows the images to be scaled to any size without losing image quality. The ease of working with XAR vector graphics makes it an ideal format for creating images for print, carving, engraving, burning or other forms of putting images on physical surfaces.

Programs which support XAR file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support XAR files. XAR files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/07/2024

How to open file with XAR extension?

Problems with accessing XAR may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with XAR extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with XAR files.

Step 1. Get the Xara Designer Pro

Problems with opening and working with XAR files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with XAR files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install Xara Designer Pro or one to the listed programs: Xara Xtreme. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support XAR files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Xara Designer Pro installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Xara Designer Pro to the latest version

If you already have Xara Designer Pro installed on your systems and XAR files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Xara Designer Pro installed, it may not support XAR format. The latest version of Xara Designer Pro should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Xara Designer Pro to XAR files

After installing Xara Designer Pro (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open XAR files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the XAR file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Xara Designer Pro installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open XAR files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with XAR extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with XAR extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the XAR is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the XAR file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the XAR file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the XAR file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the XAR file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the XAR file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the XAR file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the XAR file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with XAR extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Xara Designer Pro

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with XAR 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 Xara Xtreme Drawing file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle XAR files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the XAR file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on XAR file.