MXI File – What is .mxi file and how to open it?

Definition of MXI Files

MXI files are Adobe Extension Information files used by Adobe Creative Suite applications. They contain metadata about an extension, such as its name, description, version, and compatibility. This information allows the Creative Suite applications to identify, install, and manage extensions. MXI files are typically stored in the user’s “/Applications/Adobe Extensions/” directory.

Purpose of MXI Files

MXI files play a crucial role in managing extensions within Adobe Creative Suite applications. They provide a standardized way for developers to distribute and users to install and update extensions. By centralizing extension information in MXI files, the Creative Suite applications can efficiently handle extension management, ensuring that extensions are properly installed, compatible with the application version, and accessible to users. This streamlined process enhances the user experience by simplifying the installation and updating of extensions, allowing users to focus on their creative work rather than technical configurations.

Opening MXI Files with Adobe Extension Manager

Adobe Extension Manager is the primary program used to open and manage MXI files. It is a free tool offered by Adobe that allows users to install, update, and manage extensions for Adobe applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. To open an MXI file in Extension Manager, simply drag and drop the file onto the application window or use the “File” > “Open” menu to browse for the file. Once opened, the file can be installed by clicking the “Install” button or by dragging it to the “Extensions” panel.

Alternative Methods for Opening MXI Files

If you do not have Adobe Extension Manager installed, you can still open and install MXI files using other methods. One option is to use the macOS Terminal application. Navigate to the directory where the MXI file is located and type the following command:


xar -xf [MXI file name].mxi


This will extract the contents of the MXI file into a new folder. You can then open the “Install.js” file in a text editor such as TextEdit or Sublime Text to view the installation instructions. Alternatively, you can locate the extension’s files within the extracted folder and manually copy them to the appropriate extension folder in the Adobe application directory. Keep in mind that this method requires some technical knowledge and may vary depending on the specific Adobe application you are using.

MXI File Format

An MXI file is an XML-based file that contains metadata and information about an Adobe Extension. Adobe Extensions are software components that can be installed into Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. MXIs contain information such as the extension’s name, version number, author, description, and compatibility information. They also provide a way for extensions to declare dependencies on other extensions or system libraries. When an extension is installed, its MXI file is parsed and the information is used to create a corresponding entry in the Adobe Extension Manager.

MXI File Usage

MXI files are used to manage and distribute Adobe Extensions. They are typically included with extension installers and are used by the Adobe Extension Manager to install and update extensions. MXIs also provide a way for extension developers to package and distribute their extensions and to ensure that they meet certain compatibility requirements. By adhering to the MXI file format, developers can make their extensions more easily installable and manageable for users. Additionally, MXIs allow extensions to be easily shared and deployed within teams or organizations, facilitating collaboration and streamlined extension management.

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