FDML File Extension

FDML file icon

Forms Definition Markup Language

What is a FDML file?

Forms Definition Markup Language files, recognized by the FDML extension, fall into the Web Files and Developer Files categories, amounting to 1449 files.

FDML files are supported by Windows and Linux. If you need to open a FDML file, you can use one of 3 programs, such as Notepad++, Windows Notepad and Gedit.

Programs that support FDML files

How to open a FDML file?

If you’re having difficulty opening a FDML file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.

Notepad++, Windows Notepad and Gedit stand out as the preferred programs to manage FDML files effectively. To install the latest version of Notepad++ on your computer, visit the Notepad++ Team website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

After installation, your operating system should automatically open FDML files with Notepad++.

Set Notepad++ as the default FDML handler

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + left click on the desired FDML file to launch the file options menu;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. Next, at the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu, in which "Recommended Programs" is selected by default;
  4. In this menu, select "All Programs", then find Notepad++ and check the box next to "Always open in the application."

Set default programs for Windows

  1. Start by right-clicking on your FDML file, then select "Open With" and continue by clicking "Choose another app" from the options provided;
  2. In the pop-up window, find and select the Notepad++ application from the available options;
  3. Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening FDML files.

Effective solutions for FDML file problems

There are some common issues with FDML files that can be resolved easily by making minor adjustments to your software. Below, you’ll find these issues along with practical troubleshooting tips.

What are the methods to detect if my FDML file has been corrupted?

FDML web files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:

  • An unexplained increase in the size of the FDML file;
  • Trying to work with the archive in Notepad++ or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
  • The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
  • While working with the file, error alerts are encountered;
  • The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Notepad++;

Why does Notepad++ crash?

Insufficient software updates can contribute to Notepad++ crash. To avoid this, make sure that you have installed the latest updates for Notepad++ Team products.

Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.

How to repair a corrupted FDML file?

Open the damaged FDML file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair operation. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged web files.

How to edit a FDML file?

To make changes to FDML files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the web files. Online FDML editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Forms Definition Markup Language.

Best FDML editors 2026

Based on these criteria, we have prepared a list of available FDML editors.

FDML Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
GeditGNOMELinux4.6 out of 5 (38 reviews)
Notepad++Notepad++ TeamWindows4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews)
Windows NotepadMicrosoftWindows4.2 out of 5 (37 reviews)