Which MIME types are related to file extension ".xsn"?
The .xsn file extension is associated with 1 MIME types:
application/vnd.ms-cab-compressed.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .xsn Files
XSN files are InfoPath Form Template Files. They are based on the MIME type application/vnd.ms-cab-compressed and use Microsoft’s CAB compression format.
They store XML files, schemas, and resources that define a form's layout, rules, and data connections.
These files are primarily used in Microsoft InfoPath to design, view, and deploy electronic forms in business environments.
- Form design and customization
- Data collection and validation
- Integration with systems like SharePoint
According to FilExt.com, this file type bundles everything needed to run a complete form in one package.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
application/vnd.ms-cab-compressed
FAQs
What is an XSN file?
An XSN file is a form template created by Microsoft InfoPath. It acts as a container that bundles XML schemas, layout definitions, and logic rules into a single file to define how an electronic form looks and behaves.
How do I open an XSN file?
You can open these files using Microsoft InfoPath Designer or InfoPath Filler, which are included in older versions of Microsoft Office Professional (such as Office 2013). If the form is published to a SharePoint server with Forms Services, you may also be able to view and fill it out directly in a web browser.
Can I view the internal contents of an XSN file?
Yes. Since XSN files use the CAB compression format (application/vnd.ms-cab-compressed), you can rename the file extension from .xsn to .cab. This allows you to open it with archive tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR to extract the underlying XML and script files.
Is Microsoft InfoPath still supported?
Microsoft has discontinued development of InfoPath, and it is not included in modern suites like Office 2019 or Microsoft 365. Extended support for InfoPath 2013 ends in July 2026, and Microsoft recommends migrating to Power Apps.
How do I convert an XSN file to PDF?
You cannot directly convert the blank template file to PDF. Instead, you must open the form in InfoPath, fill in the required data, and then use the File > Export or Print menu to save the completed form as a PDF document.
What is the difference between XSN and XML files in InfoPath?
The .xsn file is the template that contains the design, layout, and logic. When a user fills out the form and saves it, the data is stored in a standard .xml file, which links back to the XSN template to display the data correctly.
Why does my XSN file fail to open?
Errors often occur if the form tries to connect to a corporate database or SharePoint site that you do not have access to. Additionally, because InfoPath is legacy software, you might not have the necessary application installed on your computer to run the file.
What MIME type should be used for XSN files?
Structurally, these files match application/vnd.ms-cab-compressed because they are Cabinet archives. However, web servers often use application/x-microsoft-infopath-template to ensure the file opens correctly in the InfoPath application. You can verify MIME details at mime-type.com.
General FAQ
What is a MIME type?
A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.
MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.
MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.
How do I find the MIME type for a file?
You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.
Why can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.