File Extension Library

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.XPI File Extension

  • Developer by: Mozilla
  • Category: Plugin Files
  • Format: Zip

What are .XPI files and how to open them?

Can't open .XPI file? Are you wondering what it contains? On our site we will explain to you what this file is, what it is used for and what software opens the .XPI file.

What is a .XPI file extension?

.XPI file extension is created by Mozilla. .XPI has been classified as Plugin Files. The format of .XPI file is Zip.

.XPI is Cross-platform Installer Package

An XPI file is a compressed installation archive used by various Mozilla applications, including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. It contains software, such as a web browser plugin, extension, or theme. XPI files also include an install.js or install.rdf file, which contains the installation instructions.

Some versions of Firefox allow you to install XPI files may by simply dragging and dropping the file onto an open web browser window. The Mozilla software uses a component called XPInstall, (which includes Mozilla installer script) to install the XPI packages.

If dragging and dropping the XPI file does not work, you can install the file in Firefox following the instructions below:

  • In Windows, select the Menu (three horizontal line) icon in the upper-right corner and click Add-ons (select Tools → Add-ons in macOS).
  • Select Extensions, Themes, or Plugins.
  • Click the gear icon dropdown menu and select Install Add-on From File....
  • Navigate to and choose your XPI file and click Open.

    • Here are instructions for installing an XPI file in Thunderbird:

  • In Windows, select the Menu (three horizontal lines) icon, click Add-ons, then Add-ons again (select Tools → Add-ons in macOS).
  • Select Extensions, Themes, or Plugins.
  • Click the gear icon dropdown menu and select Install Add-on From File....
  • Navigate to and choose your XPI file and click Open.

    • Since an XPI file is Zip-compressed, you can manually extract the contents in the file by renaming the .xpi extension to .zip then extracting the contents with a Zip compression utility, such as Corel WinZip, 7-Zip, or Apple Archive Utility. You most likely will find a .JAR file, which is typically used for containing the software to install, and an install.js or install.rdf file.

    List of all softwares that can open the Cross-platform Installer Package
    Windows
    Mozilla Firefox
    Mozilla Thunderbird
    Mozilla SeaMonkey
    Mac
    Mozilla Firefox
    Mozilla Thunderbird
    Mozilla SeaMonkey
    Linux
    Mozilla Firefox
    Mozilla Thunderbird
    Mozilla SeaMonkey

    How to fix problems with .XPI files

    1. You need to update the application that you normally use to open .XPI files. Only the latest version of the software supports the current .XPI file format
    2. You need to check the .XPI file for viruses. To do this, you need to scan it with a popular antivirus (Norton, Nod32, Kaspersky, Dr.Web, etc.)
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