RELS File – What is .rels file and how to open it?
RELS File Extension
Open Office XML Relationships File – file format by Microsoft
RELS is a file extension for Open Office XML Relationships File, developed by Microsoft. It is an XML file that describes the relationships between different parts of an Office Open XML document.
Introduction to RELS Files
A RELS file (Open Office XML Relationships File) is an XML-based file that serves as the central manifest for relationships and dependencies among various parts within an Office Open XML (OOXML) document. It is a key aspect of the OOXML standard, enabling the management and organization of document components such as text, images, styles, and external resources.
RELS File Structure and Functionality
RELS files utilize an XML structure to define a series of relationships between various elements within an OOXML document. These relationships can include dependencies on external files, such as images or stylesheets, as well as internal references between different document parts, such as sections or headings. By centralizing this information in a single file, RELS files streamline document navigation and ensure the integrity and coherence of OOXML documents.
Moreover, RELS files play a crucial role in packaging and distributing OOXML documents as ZIP archives. When an OOXML document is compressed into a ZIP archive, the RELS file acts as a manifest, providing information about the location and dependencies of the individual files within the archive. This facilitates the extraction and assembly of the document’s components when it is unzipped.
Understanding the Open Office XML Relationships File (.RELS) Format
An Open Office XML Relationships File (.RELS) is an XML-based file that stores relationships between components within an Office Open XML (OOXML) document. It is an essential part of OOXML, as it defines the connections and dependencies between different elements of the document, such as text, images, styles, and external resources. The .RELS file enables these components to work together seamlessly, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the OOXML document.
Opening and Working with RELS Files
RELS files cannot be directly opened or edited by common text editors or word processing software. To access and modify the relationships stored within a .RELS file, it is typically necessary to use specialized XML editing tools or software specifically designed to work with OOXML documents. These tools provide a structured interface for navigating and manipulating the XML data, allowing users to view, create, and modify the relationships between document components. It’s important to note that improper editing or modification of the .RELS file can potentially corrupt the corresponding OOXML document. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution and seek expert guidance when working with this file type.
RELS File Format Specification
A RELS file, short for Open Office XML Relationships File, is an XML file that defines relationships between different parts of an Office Open XML (OOXML) document. It is typically located in the “_rels” subdirectory of the OOXML package. Each relationship in the RELS file specifies the target file and the type of relationship, such as “Office Document” or “Worksheet”. The RELS file allows for linking various components of an OOXML document, including text, images, charts, and external resources. This linking mechanism enables features such as embedded objects, external data connections, and cross-referencing within the document.
RELS File Structure
The RELS file is an XML document that conforms to the Relationships Specification for Office Open XML File Formats. It consists of a root element named “