What is the IGX file format?
The .igx file is the native document format for iGrafx Process (originally iGrafx FlowCharter), a business process modeling and diagramming application. The product originated as Micrografx FlowCharter in the mid-1990s, passed through Corel ownership, and is now developed by iGrafx LLC with a focus on process intelligence and compliance management.
An .igx file stores vector diagram content: shapes, connectors, swimlane layouts, text annotations, and styling for flowcharts, organizational charts, BPMN-style process maps, cause-and-effect diagrams, and value stream maps. More complex diagrams may embed linked data tables for process simulation and what-if performance analysis - a capability that sets iGrafx apart from simpler diagramming tools.
Older versions of the format used a proprietary binary structure. Modern releases likely use an XML-based container, possibly ZIP-wrapped, though the internal structure is not publicly documented.
The iGrafx desktop client exports .igx diagrams to PDF, SVG, Visio (.vsdx), HTML, and raster image formats. iGrafx also offers a cloud platform (Process360 Live) where diagrams are stored in the cloud rather than as local .igx files. No third-party application opens .igx natively.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWProprietary diagram file with no executable code. Safe to open with iGrafx software.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open IGX files
Windows1 app
iGrafx Process
Paid Double-click the .igx file or use File → Open in iGrafx Process. Full edit and export capabilities. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary vector diagram and business process model file |
| Diagram content | Shapes, connectors, swimlanes, text, and styling for flowcharts, org charts, process maps, and value stream maps |
| Simulation data | Linked data tables for process simulation and performance analysis may be embedded in the file |
| Legacy encoding | Proprietary binary (earlier versions, circa 1990s-2000s) |
| Modern encoding | Likely XML-based, possibly in a ZIP-wrapped container (internal structure not publicly documented) |
| Canvas size | Effectively unlimited; page sizes are user-defined |
| Export formats | PDF, SVG, Visio `.vsdx`, HTML, PNG, and BMP from the iGrafx desktop client |
| Platform | Windows (iGrafx desktop client); cloud diagrams handled separately via iGrafx Platform |
| Third-party support | No other application opens `.igx` natively |
| Version exposure | No format version number exposed to users; backward compatibility maintained by the iGrafx client |
| Product lineage | Descended from Micrografx FlowCharter (mid-1990s), one of the earliest PC flowchart applications |
| Cloud alternative | iGrafx Process360 Live stores diagrams in the cloud; local `.igx` files are not used in cloud workflows |
| Released | circa mid-1990s (iGrafx FlowCharter product line) |
| Latest version | current iGrafx desktop client version (2024/2025 - no explicit format version exposed) |
IGX conversions
Community Q&A
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