Open XFDL File Extension

Online forms have made standing in line at government offices nearly a thing of the past. Need to pay your property taxes or apply for state assistance? How about just renew your car registration? Most areas now offer websites to take care of these tasks and interactive online forms for citizens to fill out.

The XFDL File Extension Standard

The reason government entities are able to offer these services is directly from improvements in secure online file formats. The .xfdl file extension is the standard used to program and encrypt legally-binding documents. .Xfdl files are a variation of the eXtensible Markup Language used to create many of today's websites. The difference offered by .xfdl files is greater control over the look and feel of forms, and the ability to accept multiple digital signatures.

Steps to Open XFDL Extension File

To open an .xfdl file, you should start with the organization or company you received the file from. They may have a preferred program for you to use for modifications and input into the form fields. The good news is most .xfdl file readers are open-source, meaning they are free to use to view the file, but not necessarily for modification. However, viewing the file will give you an opportunity to print it out and mail or fax it to the appropriate receiver, which may be the intent if there is no way to digitally sign the document.

Options to Open XFDL File

One program to open .xfdl files is PureEdge Viewer, available from grants.gov. According to information about the program there are currently some limitations to who may use the program. First, PureEdge Viewer will only work on Windows machines, so if you run Apple or Linux, you will need a Windows emulator program to run the software. Second, PureEdge Viewer will only run on Windows XP and earlier versions. There is currently no support or manner in which to run the software on Windows Vista.

Another option is Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or later. Adobe is most commonly associated with .pdf files, but later versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader also open and view .xfdl files. The free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader will allow a user to open and fill out forms, but not create forms. For that ability, you will need to buy the full version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. All Adobe products can be found for free download or purchase at adobe.com.

XFDL Files Extension format used in Many Forms

Many government organizations are now using .xfdl files to streamline processes and cut down on paper waste. In fact, numerous military branches are making all of their forms .xfdl to promote continuity and accessibility. While .xfdl is used most often for forms, the markup language can also be used for contracts and other applications in e-commerce.

You should make sure you are intended to open the file since .xfdl file formats are used to send sensitive information. Always scan any file from the Internet with a reputable virus and spyware scanner, such as Paretologic's XoftSpySE available for free trial at paretologic.com. Hacking government websites and sending infections to unsuspecting users is a very old trick in the book. Just because the file is from the government, doesn't mean it is 100% safe to download and open on your computer.

admin | August 8th, 2008
Tags: open xfdl form, xfdl file, xfdl file extension
Categories: File Extensions

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