XMCD File

What are XMCD files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an XMCD 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 XMCD files.

What is an XMCD file?

XMCD files have multiple uses, and Mathcad XML Based Worksheet is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Mathcad XML Based Worksheet

Mathcad XML Based Worksheet is an XML‐format worksheet created and used by PTC Mathcad (formerly Mathsoft) for storing live calculation documents combining mathematical input, text, units definitions, and visual layout. From Mathcad version 12 (mid-2000s) through version 15, worksheets are saved in this format by default unless another format is chosen. It enables contents like text blocks, equations, embedded plots and images to be stored so that the document can recalculate values when inputs change.

These files are written by classic Mathcad (versions 12‒15) when saving a worksheet as "Mathcad XML Document" (.XMCD). They are read by those same Mathcad versions for full editing and recalculation, and can also be imported into later versions (such as Mathcad Prime) via a conversion tool that produces the newer .MCDX format. As XML text documents they can be opened in text or XML editors to inspect formatting, style definitions, and metadata, but without Mathcad's calculation engine, they do not recalculate manually.

Technically this is an uncompressed XML document whose root element is a Mathcad worksheet and which uses a Mathsoft/PTC XML schema (namespace such as http://schemas.mathsoft.com/math30 or similar). Files begin with the standard XML declaration (e.g. "<?xml version=...?>") and contain internal XML tags and attributes for things like calculation behavior, built-in variables, formatting (text styles, font, margins), worksheet version, units formats, color models, evaluation settings and metadata (author, title, description etc.).

How to open XMCD files

We have identified one XMCD opener that is compatible with this specific type of XMCD file.

Programs that open Mathcad XML Based Worksheet files

Last updated: August 14, 2026

All known file formats using extension .XMCD

While Mathcad XML Based Worksheet is a popular type of XMCD-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .XMCD file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

XMCD CD Information

We know that one XMCD format is XMCD CD Information. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single XMCD opener which you will find listed below.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of XMCD files. Remember, different programs may use XMCD 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 XMCD file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.