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XPI File - What is an .xpi file and how do I open it?
Learn about .XPI files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is an XPI file? An XPI file is a compressed installation archive used by various Mozilla applications, including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. It contains an app add-on , such as a Firefox plug-in , toolkit, or theme. Most XPI files include an install.js , install.rdf , or readme.md file, which contains the add-on's installation instructions.
More Information XPI file open in Apple Finder XPI files are essentially renamed .ZIP archives that Mozilla applications use to install add-ons. These archives often contain .JS , .CSS , .HTML , and .JSON files that, combined, comprise the code needed to install an add-on. Add-ons that use icons and other images also contain .PNG files.
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| Developer | Mozilla |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 855 Votes |
What is an XPI file?
An XPI file is a compressed installation archive used by various Mozilla applications, including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. It contains an app add-on , such as a Firefox plug-in , toolkit, or theme. Most XPI files include an install.js , install.rdf , or readme.md file, which contains the add-on's installation instructions.
More Information
XPI file open in Apple Finder
XPI files are essentially renamed .ZIP archives that Mozilla applications use to install add-ons. These archives often contain .JS , .CSS , .HTML , and .JSON files that, combined, comprise the code needed to install an add-on. Add-ons that use icons and other images also contain .PNG files.
How to open an XPI file
Some versions of Mozilla Firefox allow you to install an XPI file by dragging and dropping the file onto an open browser window. Firefox then uses a component called XPInstall to install the add-on your XPI file contains.
If dropping your XPI file onto Firefox does not work, you can manually install the file using the instructions below:
How do I install an XPI file in the mobile version of Firefox?
On Android devices, you can install the add-on an XPI file contains by locating the file in an Android file manager (such as File Viewer Plus or ES File Explorer), tapping it, and opening it with Firefox.
The iOS version of Firefox does not allow users to install XPI files.
How do I install an XPI file in Mozilla Thunderbird?
To install an XPI file in Mozilla Thunderbird:
How do I view an XPI file's contents outside Mozilla applications?
Since an XPI file is a Zip-compressed archive, you can manually extract and view its contents by:
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Programs that open or reference XPI files
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Windows
Mozilla Firefox
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Free
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Mac
Mozilla Firefox
Free
Mozilla Thunderbird
Free
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Free
Linux
Mozilla Firefox
Free
Mozilla Thunderbird
Free
Mozilla SeaMonkey
Free
Android
Mozilla Firefox
Free
Category: Plugin Files
Updated: December 13, 2021