Tips to open XBRL file

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

XBRL file extension

File Name Extensible Business Reporting Language
File Category Document Files

The XBRL file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the XBRL files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the XBRL file on each system platform.

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

What is XBRL file?

The file with the extension XBRL is the Document Files file type. Additionally, the Document Files category contains 574 of other files. Extensible Business Reporting Language appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Mac OS, Windows. The NotePad++ text editor application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Notepad++ Team. This file type can also be opened by 3 other programs. You can use TextEdit, Moneydance, XBRL Addon for Firefox in case NotePad++ text editor cannot be used.

How to open XBRL file?

An often recurring problem with Extensible Business Reporting Language is that XBRL is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open XBRL, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the XBRL 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 NotePad++ text editor

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that NotePad++ text editor is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name NotePad++ text editor into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file XBRL.

Step 2. Create association of NotePad++ text editor with XBRL files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the XBRL file to open in the NotePad++ text editor application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the XBRL file with the NotePad++ text editor application.

Step 3. Update NotePad++ text editor to the latest version

If, however, after binding NotePad++ text editor with Extensible Business Reporting Language there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Notepad++ Team page and install.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. 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 XBRL file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our XBRL file. However, remember that not every infected XBRL file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the XBRL file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair XBRL file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted XBRL files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move XBRL to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the XBRL file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file XBRL to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the XBRL file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.