What Is a JSX File?
A file with the JSX file extension is an ExtendScript script file. JSX stands for JavaScript XML. These files have been written in the ExtendScript scripting language, which is similar to JavaScript and ActionScript but supports some additional functions. JSX files are used for writing plug-ins for Adobe Creative Suite software like Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects. The file extension .JSXBIN is used when a JSX file is saved in binary.
How to Open a JSX File
Since JSX files are used in Adobe’s programs, you can open them with Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects from the File > Scripts > Browse menu item. This is also where these programs import JS and JSXBIN files. Like most source code, JSX files are really just text files, so any text editor can open them for editing. The free Notepad application included in Windows is one way to do this, but we recommend one from our Best Free Text Editors list. However, Adobe’s free ExtendScript Toolkit is probably the best way to edit JSX files because it has a syntax checker, debugger, and other helpful development features.
How to Convert a JSX File
ExtendScript Toolkit can convert your JSX file to a binary JavaScript file so it has the JSXBIN file extension. Since JSX files are just text documents, you can also use a text editor to save one to .TXT, .HTML, or any other text-based format you want. Keep in mind, however, that Adobe programs will only be able to execute the code in these files if they’re using the JSX extension.
Still Can’t Open It?
Some JSX files may not be in the ExtendScript script format and so will not open with the above programs. If you think the file you have is in a different format, try opening it with a text editor. Even if it’s not actually a text file, the information in the header might give you some direction as to what sort of file it is. If you’re still having trouble, take a close look at the extension. With most having only three letters, it’s sometimes easy to confuse similar-named extensions, like one of these:
JXR files are JPEG XR imagesJSP files are Java server pagesSXO files are SX Paint saved graphical working environment filesCSX files are Visual C# scripts
