WXL File – What is .wxl file and how to open it?

WIX Localization File (WXL)

A WXL file is an XML-based file that stores localized text for Windows Installer (MSI) packages. It enables the translation of MSI packages into multiple languages, allowing software to be distributed and installed in different locales. WXL files help ensure that the user interface of MSI packages, including dialog boxes, messages, and error prompts, is presented in the appropriate language for the target audience.

Creation and Usage

WXL files are typically created using localization tools such as WiX Toolset, which provides a graphical interface for managing localized text. The tool allows translators to import original text from MSI packages and translate it into the desired languages. The localized text is then stored in corresponding WXL files. During the MSI package build process, the WXL files are merged with the MSI database, and the localized text is embedded within the final MSI package.

Benefits and Compatibility

WXL files offer several benefits for software localization. They allow for efficient management of localized text, reduce translation errors and inconsistencies, and ensure consistent user experience across different language versions of MSI packages. Additionally, WXL files are compatible with all versions of Windows Installer, ensuring that localized MSI packages can be installed and run on various Windows platforms.

Opening WXL Files Using WiX Tools

WiX Localization (WXL) files are essential for translating and localizing WiX source code (.wxs) into different languages. To open and edit WXL files, you will need the WiX Toolset, a comprehensive set of tools for building Windows Installer packages. The WiX Toolset is available for download on the Microsoft website. Once installed, you can use the Visual Studio extension for WiX or the command-line tools to access and manipulate WXL files.

Alternate Methods for Opening WXL Files

If you do not wish to install the WiX Toolset, there are alternative methods to view and extract localized text from WXL files. One option is to use the WiXLocalizationViewer tool, a standalone utility that allows you to view WXL files and export translations into XML or text formats. Another option is to use the Windows Installer XML (WiX) SDK, which includes a set of libraries and tools that can be used to develop custom applications for working with WiX files.

Definition and Usage of WXL Files

A .WXL file is a WiX Localization File that stores localized text and resources for Microsoft’s Windows Installer XML (WiX) toolset. WiX is used to create installation packages for Windows applications. WXL files contain translated strings, images, and other resources that are used to localize WiX packages for different languages and regions.

WXL files are structured as XML documents. They contain elements that define localized strings, images, and other resources. The elements in a WXL file are used to create localized versions of the WiX package’s user interface, help files, and other documentation. WXL files can also be used to localize the installation process itself, such as the progress dialog, error messages, and user prompts.

Benefits of Using WXL Files

Using WXL files offers several benefits for localizing WiX packages. First, WXL files enable easy translation and maintenance of localized resources. Translators can work on WXL files independently of the WiX package, which streamlines the localization process. Second, WXL files allow for efficient deployment of localized packages. Once a WXL file is created, it can be easily deployed with the WiX package. Third, WXL files help ensure the accuracy and consistency of localized resources. By centralizing localized resources in a single file, WXL files reduce the risk of errors or inconsistencies in localized packages.

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