What is the REPX file format?
A .repx file is an XML-based report layout definition used by the DevExpress XtraReports component suite for .NET applications. It is the primary file produced when a report is saved via XtraReport.SaveLayout() or exported from the DevExpress End-User Report Designer.
The file contains an XML serialization of the XtraReport object graph. The root element encodes the report class type; child elements represent report bands (Detail, GroupHeader, ReportHeader, and so on), layout controls (XRLabel, XRTable, XRPictureBox, XRSubreport), data source bindings, formatting styles, conditional formatting rules, and parameter definitions. Property names in the XML correspond directly to DevExpress .NET API names, making the file human-readable but tightly coupled to a specific DevExpress version. Older .repx files may require migration when loaded in significantly newer releases.
Data source configuration - including SQL queries and connection strings - is serialized inside the file. Connection strings containing credentials are stored in plaintext if not parameterized, which is a security consideration when sharing report files.
A related format, .vsrepx, wraps the same XML inside a Visual Studio project item with a code-behind file for design-time integration. Reports may also be defined entirely in .cs or .vb code without a .repx file.
Opening or rendering a .repx file at runtime requires the DevExpress.XtraReports NuGet package and a valid DevExpress license.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWREPX files are XML text; no executable code. However, they may embed database connection strings (including passwords) in plaintext within the XML. Review before sharing .repx files externally. The files cannot run without the DevExpress runtime - no risk from opening as XML.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open REPX files
Windows3 apps
Visual Studio (with DevExpress installed)
Freemium Open .repx in Solution Explorer or double-click; DevExpress extension activates the graphical Report Designer. Requires DevExpress license.
DevExpress Report Designer (standalone / embedded)
Paid Part of DevExpress suite; XtraReport.FromFile('report.repx') loads at runtime; End-User Designer allows visual editing.
Visual Studio Code (as XML viewer)
Open-source Open as plain XML to inspect structure; no rendering/execution. Install XML extension for formatting. Technical details
deep spec| Encoding | XML (UTF-8) |
| Root element | Report class type name (e.g., XtraReportsLayoutSerializer or the report type name) |
| Object model | XML serialization of the .NET XtraReport object graph; property names match DevExpress API |
| Band types | Detail, GroupHeader, GroupFooter, ReportHeader, ReportFooter, PageHeader, PageFooter |
| Control types | XRLabel, XRTable, XRPictureBox, XRSubreport, XRChart, XRBarCode, XRRichText |
| Data binding | Connection strings and SQL queries serialized inside the XML alongside the layout |
| Version coupling | No explicit version attribute; format evolves with DevExpress NuGet package version |
| Compression | None (plain XML); some DevExpress workflows produce ZIP-compressed XML |
| Runtime dependency | DevExpress.XtraReports NuGet package and a valid DevExpress license |
| Related format | .vsrepx - Visual Studio project item wrapping .repx with a code-behind file |
| Security note | Connection strings with credentials may be serialized in plaintext if not parameterized |
| Associated OS | Windows; Linux and macOS via .NET 6+ |
| Released | Early 2000s, with DevExpress XtraReports component suite for .NET |
| Latest version | Current (DevExpress v25.x, 2025); format evolves with DevExpress releases |
| Specification | docs.devexpress.com |
REPX conversions
Community Q&A
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