.XWS File Extension
What is an XWS file?
The .XWS file extension is used for files created with Xara Web Designer, a web design application that allows users to create websites and graphics with ease. These files typically contain the design and layout elements used in the creation of web pages, including images, text, and other design elements.
More Information.
Xara Web Designer was initially released to cater to both professionals and novices in web design, providing an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for creating web pages without requiring extensive coding knowledge. The .XWS file format was introduced as the native format for saving and editing designs within Xara Web Designer.
Origin Of This File.
The .XWS file format was developed by Xara Group Limited, known for its graphic design software. Xara Web Designer is part of Xara’s suite of graphic design tools, which also includes Xara Designer Pro and Xara Photo & Graphic Designer.
File Structure Technical Specification.
- File Structure: .XWS files typically contain XML-based data that describes the layout and content of a web page. This includes information on the placement of images, text, shapes, and other elements.
- Technical Specification: The file format stores design elements in a structured format, allowing for easy editing and manipulation within Xara Web Designer. The XML format enables the inclusion of various design properties and metadata.
How to Convert the File?
Windows
- Using Xara Web Designer:
- Open the .XWS file in Xara Web Designer.
- Go to File > Export or File > Export Web.
- Choose the desired format (e.g., HTML, PNG, JPEG).
- Follow the prompts to complete the export process.
- Alternative Software: If you don’t have Xara Web Designer, you may need to use a virtual machine or compatibility software to run it on Windows.
Linux
- Using Wine (to run Xara Web Designer):
- Install Wine on your Linux system.
- Install Xara Web Designer using Wine.
- Open the .XWS file in Xara Web Designer through Wine.
- Export the file to a more common format (e.g., HTML, PNG, JPEG).
- Conversion Tools: If direct export isn’t possible, consider using online conversion services or tools that might accept the .XWS file (if available) or request help from someone using Xara Web Designer on Windows.
Mac
- Using a Virtual Machine or Compatibility Layer:
- Set up a virtual machine with Windows on your Mac using software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
- Install Xara Web Designer within the virtual machine.
- Open the .XWS file and export it to a more common format.
- Using Cloud Services: If you can upload the .XWS file to a cloud-based service that supports file conversion, you may be able to convert it there.
- Request Assistance: If neither of the above methods is feasible, you may need to ask someone with access to Xara Web Designer on a Windows machine to convert the file for you.
Android
- Using Cloud Services:
- Upload the .XWS file to a cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
- Use a web-based file conversion tool or request assistance from someone with access to Xara Web Designer.
- Alternative Methods: Direct conversion tools for Android are limited. You may need to use cloud-based solutions to convert the file.
iOS
- Using Cloud Services:
- Similar to Android, upload the .XWS file to cloud storage.
- Use web-based conversion tools or contact someone with Xara Web Designer to convert the file.
- Alternative Methods: iOS does not natively support .XWS files, so converting through cloud-based services or requesting assistance from a Windows user may be necessary.
Others
- Online Conversion Tools:
- Check if any online file conversion services support .XWS files. Upload the file and choose the desired output format.
- Request Assistance:
- If no direct conversion option is available, you might need to use Xara Web Designer on a supported platform to convert the file. Consider reaching out to a user who has access to Xara Web Designer.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
- Advantages:
- Intuitive Design: Allows for easy creation and editing of web pages using a visual interface.
- Preserves Design Integrity: Maintains design elements and layout as intended by the designer.
- Integration: Works seamlessly with other Xara products, enabling smooth transitions between different types of graphic work.
- Disadvantages:
- Proprietary Format: Limited to Xara Web Designer for editing; other applications may not support .XWS files.
- Compatibility: May not be easily opened or edited outside of the Xara suite, potentially limiting collaboration with users of other design tools.
How to Open XWS?
Open In Windows
Xara Web Designer: The primary software for opening and editing .XWS files. Xara Web Designer is available for Windows and allows full access to .XWS files.
Open In Linux
Compatibility: Direct support for .XWS files on Linux is limited. Users may need to use virtual machines or compatibility layers like Wine to run Xara Web Designer or use alternative methods for accessing the content if converted to a different format.
Open In MAC
Xara Web Designer: Xara Web Designer is not natively available for macOS. However, users may run it through a Windows emulator or use alternative methods for viewing or converting the file.
Open In Android
Compatibility: Direct support for .XWS files on Android is limited. Users might need to convert the file to a more accessible format or use cloud-based services for viewing the content.
Open In IOS
Compatibility: Direct support for .XWS files on iOS is also limited. Conversion to other formats or cloud-based solutions may be necessary for accessing the content.
Open in Others
Other Platforms: .XWS files are primarily designed for use within the Xara suite, and other platforms or applications may not support this file type directly. Conversion or exporting to a compatible format is usually required for use outside of Xara Web Designer.
