Knowledge Base

File Extension QXD

The file extension QXD is associated with earlier versions of QuarkXPress by Quark, Inc. QuarkXPress is a software application which is used for a variety of publishing purposes, including page layouts, website design, print and digital media, and various desktop publishing projects. The QXD file extension was replaced in later versions of QuarkXPress with the QXP file extension.

A QXD file is categorized as a page layout file type which contains text, graphics, headings, borders, font styles, page layout structures, and other elements that are commonly used to create a professional looking publication. The file extension QXD is used in versions of Quark up to QuarkXPress 5 and was changed to the QXP extension with the release of QuarkXPress 6.

QXD files associated with QuarkXPress are used by a variety of industries to reduce costs on professional publishing services. QuarkXPress and other solutions provided by Quark are used by financial services, government agencies, manufacturing enterprises, and other organizations to access cross-media publishing using XML (Extensible Markup Language) formatting which is integrated with flexible page layout designs.

How to Open QXD Files

The file extension QXD can be opened using the QuarkXPress software application which provides a variety of industry applications, tools for dynamic publishing, as well as tools for creating apps for iPad and other portable devices. QuarkXPress 9 is available as a free trial on the Quark website and is backwards compatible. This means that the newer versions of QuarkXPress will open the QXD file extension despite the fact the extension was created with an older version of QuarkXPress.

If you are using Windows XP with service pack 2 or 3, Windows Vista 1.0, or Windows 7, you can open a QXD file with the Windows version of QuarkXPress which works with 32-bit and 64-bit systems. For Mac OS X, you must use QuarkXPress for Mac which works with Mac OS Leopard, Snow Leopard, Lion, or Mountain Lion.

The file extension QXD can also be opened using a page layout editing application such as Adobe InDesign. This can be accomplished by converting the QXD extension to the INDD file extension using a file conversion program. There are a variety of file conversion software applications available as a free download on websites such as CNET and Softpedia which will convert QXD files for you.

You can also use an online resource such as Zamzar which will perform free file conversion. Simply log onto the Zamzar website, browse for the QXD file, choose the INDD format, enter your email address, and click on Convert. Within minutes you will receive the newly converted file in your email inbox.

Once you have converted the QXD file to the INDD extension, you can use Adobe InDesign to open and edit the file. Adobe InDesign CS6 is part of the Adobe CS6 Creative Suite of applications and is available in a free trial version on the Adobe website. InDesign CS6 is designed for use with the Windows operating system and Mac OS X.