GXL File Extension

GXL file icon

Graph Exchange Language Format

What is a GXL file?

The GXL file extension is linked to Graph Exchange Language Format and belongs to the Developer Files category, which includes 1166 files.

GXL files are supported by Windows. When working with GXL files, you can rely on 2 programs, including Graphviz and gxl2visio.

Programs that support GXL files

How to open a GXL file?

If you can’t open a GXL file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.

The most popular programs for working with GXL files are Graphviz and gxl2visio. To install the latest version of Graphviz on your computer, visit the Graphviz Team website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

Following installation, GXL files should be automatically opened with Graphviz.

Set Graphviz as your default GXL viewer

Changing the default program in Windows

  1. Right-click on your GXL file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
  2. From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Graphviz as your desired application;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening GXL files.

Set default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired GXL file to open a menu of available actions;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
  4. Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to Graphviz. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.

Solving Common GXL File Challenges

When issues arise with GXL files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.

What are the warning signs that my GXL file may be corrupted?

Corrupted GXL developer files may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
  • Attempts to open the file result in errors or failed results;
  • Unexplained increase in GXL file size;
  • The file causes Graphviz or other programs to hang or crash during operation;

Why does Graphviz crash?

Graphviz crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your Graphviz Team products up to date by installing the latest updates.

A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.

How to repair a corrupted GXL file?

Use a data recovery program to open the damaged GXL file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Please be patient while the recovery process completes, which will automatically restore the damaged developer files.