What Is a JSX File?

How to open and convert JSX files

By
Tim Fisher
Photo of Tim Fisher, Lifewire GM and Writer
Tim Fisher
Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability
  • Emporia State University

Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.

lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on June 17, 2022

What to Know

  • A JSX file is an ExtendScript script file.
  • Open one with ExtendScript Toolkit or After Effects.
  • Convert to JSXBIN with that toolkit program.

This article explains what a JSX file is, how to open one, and how to convert one to a different file format.

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.

JSX files in Windows 10 that open with Adobe After Effects

How to Open a JSX File

JSX files are executable files, meaning that one could negatively impact the normal functioning of your computer if designed with malicious intent. You should take great care when opening executable file formats like this that you've received via email or downloaded from websites you're not familiar with.

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 images
  • JSP files are Java server pages
  • SXO files are SX Paint saved graphical working environment files
  • CSX files are Visual C# scripts
Was this page helpful?