What is the NRL file format?
.nrl stands for Network Resource Link - a small plain-text shortcut file used by the iManage WorkSite document management system (DMS). Rather than containing any document content, an .nrl file holds a structured reference pointing to a specific document stored on an iManage server: the library name, document number, version number, and optionally a display name.
The file functions like a hyperlink into the DMS. Double-clicking it launches the iManage Work client, which authenticates and retrieves the referenced document from the server. Without an active iManage client and a live server connection, the file cannot be resolved.
.nrl files are extremely compact - typically 69 to 110 bytes - and are encoded in plain ASCII or UTF-8. They carry no binary signature, no compression, and no encryption. They are Windows-only in practice, generated automatically by the iManage client when a user shares a document link.
The format originated with Interwoven WorkSite (circa 2000), which was later acquired by Autonomy and then by iManage. As of 2026, iManage Work 10 still generates and resolves .nrl links. The legacy DeskSite and FileSite desktop clients, which also used .nrl files, reached end of life in December 2023; iManage Work 10 is the current supported client.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWNRL files are plain-text pointers with no executable content. They cannot directly harm a system. However, a malicious NRL could point to a document on a fraudulent server to harvest credentials if an iManage client is configured to auto-authenticate - theoretical risk only in targeted attacks.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open NRL files
Windows1 app
iManage Work 10
Paid Double-click the NRL file - iManage Work 10 client resolves the link and opens the referenced document from the server. Requires active server connection and valid account. Technical details
deep spec| File encoding | Plain text (ASCII / UTF-8) |
| Structure | Structured reference: library name, document number, version number, optional display name |
| Typical file size | 69 - 110 bytes (median ~83 bytes) |
| Binary signature | Absent - pure text file with no magic bytes |
| Container | Plain text with no binary wrapper |
| Resolution dependency | Requires active iManage Work client and server connection to open |
| Platform | Windows |
| Origin product | Interwoven WorkSite (~2000); current product is iManage Work 10 |
| Legacy clients EOL | DeskSite and FileSite reached end of life December 2023 |
| Use case | Shareable document shortcut within a document management workflow |
| Stored data | Pointer only - no document content is embedded in the file |
| File generation | Created automatically by iManage Work client on document share action |
| Current status | Actively supported in iManage Work 10 (confirmed 2026) |
| DMS vendor history | Interwoven → Autonomy Interwoven → iManage |
| Released | circa 2000 (iManage WorkSite / Interwoven WorkSite era) |
| Latest version | iManage Work 10 still uses NRL links (confirmed active 2026) |
| Specification | docs.imanage.com |
Community Q&A
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