DESIGN File

What are DESIGN files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DESIGN file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your DESIGN files.

What is a DESIGN file?

A .DESIGN file is an Expression Design Drawing file.

Microsoft Expression Design Drawing files are created by Microsoft Expression Design, a discontinued illustration and graphics editing program formerly part of the Expression Studio suite. They serve as the native document format for Expression Design's vector and raster artwork, preserving layered compositions, image effects, layout features such as guides and artboards, and the combinations of shapes, strokes, fills, and embedded images that together form a design.

Expression Design writes these files when a user saves a project; the data stored includes the drawing's entire structure so it can be reopened, edited, and exported to other formats such as XAML or standard image files. The format supports objects organized in layers, vector paths and geometry, raster image fills, effects like drop shadows and transparency, and document setup information such as canvas size and resolution. Because Expression Design was discontinued in 2012, newer software may be unable to fully support all features from later versions.

TECHNICAL DETAILS: Files begin with an ASCII signature "\<XDFV:4\>\n" at the start (offset 0), and throughout the file appear textual markers such as ORIENTATN, %%LNKS, %%OBJS, %%PRLG, %%RSRC, FORMAT, and SIZE that indicate sections for linked resources, object definitions, document properties, resources, formatting, and dimensions.

How to open DESIGN files

Important: Different programs may use files with the DESIGN file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your DESIGN file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested three different DESIGN openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: October 22, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DESIGN files. Remember, different programs may use DESIGN files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about DESIGN file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.