What is a ZXP file?

This article explains what ZXP files are used for and how to open them on your computer.

What is a ZXP file?

A file with the ZXP file extension is an Adobe extension package that contains small pieces of software that add functionality to Adobe products.

ZXP files are essentially compressed ZIP files. They replace the old Macromedia extension plugin format (.MXP files) and improve upon it by supporting digital signatures to identify the publisher of the extension.

Many Photoshop filters and plugins come in this format.

How to open ZXP file

Adobe Creative Cloud is the 'normal' way to browse and install plugins and extensions. If you have a ZXP file that you downloaded elsewhere, you can use the same program to install it. Included in Creative Cloud (version 5.5 and above) is the Unified Plugin Installer Agent (UPIA), which allows you to install ZXP files from the command line.

 

Using the Command Prompt in Windows, here is an example of what you would type to install the ZXP file:

UnifiedPluginInstallerAgent.exe /install C:file.zxp

Third-party programs like ZXPInstaller can also install these files. Another program, Extension Manager by Anastasiy, can install, remove, and update ZXP files.

Adobe Extension Manager versions CS5.5 and later support ZXP files, while earlier versions can use the native MXP format.

Since these package files are in ZIP file format, you can also open them with a zip/unzip tool like 7-Zip. Doing so will not allow you to use it with Adobe programs, but will allow you to view the various files and folders that make up the file.

How to convert ZXP files

You don't actually need to convert ZXP to ZIP as you can simply rename the file extension from .ZXP to .ZIP. Doing this will allow you to open the file in any file decompression tool that supports the ZIP format.

Conversely - to convert the old MXP format to ZXP - go to Tools > Convert MXP extension to ZXP in Adobe Extension Manager CS6.

Additional information about ZXP files

If the file doesn't open on your computer, you may not have the correct Adobe program to use the file. If the extension has other files and folders associated with it, open CSXS and then manifest.xml inside that folder.

In the XML file there is a section surrounded by the "HostList" tag. Look at which Adobe programs are listed - those are the only programs that can use this particular ZXP file.

Common places where you might find ZXP files in Windows include:

1. C:Program FilesCommon FilesAdobe
2. C:Program Files (x86)AdobeAdobe Bridge [version]PublishPanelfactoryzxp
3. C:Users[username]AppDataRoamingAdobeExtension Manager CCEM StoreVirtual Product

On macOS, ZXP files are typically located in the following folders:

1. /Library/Application Support/Adobe/CEP/extensions/
2. /Library/Application Support/Adobe/extensions/
3. /Users/[username]/Application Support/Adobe/CEP/extensions/
4. /Users/Application Support/Adobe/extensions/

Still can't open the file?

Although the file extensions look similar, ZXP files have nothing to do with ZPS files. This is a Zebra Portable Safe file used with a program called ZPS Explorer.

Another file extension with a similar spelling is ZIPX, which is used for extended Zip files; they can be opened with PeaZip.

If you re-read your file extension and see that it doesn't end in "ZXP", research that specific file extension to learn more about the format and what programs can open the file.