Convert XSN to ZIP

Understanding XSN and ZIP file formats

XSN files are Microsoft InfoPath form template files. They contain the layout, data connections, scripts, and resources required to render and process electronic forms. XSN files are essentially cabinet (CAB) archives that bundle multiple files, such as XML, XSLT, images, and scripts, into a single package.

ZIP files are a widely used compressed archive format. They can store one or more files and folders in a compressed form, making them easier to transfer and store. ZIP files are supported by most operating systems and archiving tools.

Why convert XSN to ZIP?

Since XSN files are actually CAB archives, converting them to ZIP allows users to easily extract, view, and modify the internal files using standard ZIP utilities. This is useful for developers or advanced users who want to customize InfoPath forms or access embedded resources.

How to convert XSN to ZIP

The conversion process is straightforward, as it involves changing the file extension and, if necessary, re-packaging the contents. Here are the steps:

1. Make a backup of your original .xsn file.
2. Rename the file extension from .xsn to .cab (e.g., form.xsn → form.cab).
3. Use a file archiver such as 7-Zip or WinRAR to extract the contents of the CAB file.
4. Select all extracted files and use your archiver to compress them into a ZIP file (e.g., form.zip).

Best software for XSN to ZIP conversion

• 7-Zip (Windows, free): Right-click the XSN file, choose Rename to change the extension to .cab, then right-click again and select 7-Zip → Extract Here. After extraction, select the files and choose 7-Zip → Add to archive... and set the format to ZIP.
• WinRAR (Windows, paid/free trial): Similar process—rename, extract, and re-archive as ZIP.
• The Unarchiver (macOS, free): Rename the file and extract, then use Finder's built-in compress feature to create a ZIP.

Important notes

• Always keep a backup of your original XSN file before making changes.
• Editing the contents of an XSN/ZIP archive may cause InfoPath forms to malfunction if not done carefully.
• There is no direct 'conversion' tool; the process is manual but simple due to the file structure.