Tips to open GXL file

Can't open the GXL file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open GXL files as well as a list of programs that support GXL files.

GXL file extension

File Name Graph Exchange Language Format
File Developer R. C. Holt
File Category Data Files

The GXL file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GXL files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GXL file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is GXL file?

The GXL file has been categorized as Data Files. The creator of this file is R. C. Holt. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. Graph Exchange Language Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. The main program that supports this format is Graphviz. This was created by Graphviz Team. There are also 5 alternative programs to handle the GXL file. The jGraph programs will also handle the file when the Graphviz program does not fulfill its role.

How to open GXL file?

The main problem with Graph Exchange Language Format is that the GXL file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file GXL to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the GXL file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Graphviz

The first step is to check if the computer has the Graphviz program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Graphviz in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open GXL files.

Programs to open GXL file

Remember to download programs supporting GXL files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Graphviz with GXL files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the GXL file still does not use the Graphviz program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the GXL file with the Graphviz program.

Step 3. Update Graphviz to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Graphviz program, it is possible that Graph Exchange Language Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Graphviz Team website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the GXL file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the GXL file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file GXL or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected GXL files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the GXL files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged GXL files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting R. C. Holt, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted GXL files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. Copying the GXL file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file GXL to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.