TWBX File Extension

What is TWBX file?

File with .TWBX extension contains compressed data package used by Tableau for generating workbooks. TWBX is a complete workbook resource package. TWBX files can contain:

• Files and associated external data from:
  
  • MS Access,
  • MS Excel,
  • Other Tableau files with .HYPER and .TDE extensions,
  • Text files, such as .CSV, .TXT
• TWB files,
• Image files (can be used as background images),
• Custom geocode files,
• Custom shape files.

Workbook files hold references to other files in given TWBX package. This makes TWBX workbooks different from standard workbooks which contain references to external, dynamic resources for source data.

Uses of TWBX files

TWBX files are used for sharing workbooks along with associated source data to avoid situations where workbook recipient doesn’t have access to files or data referred in the workbook. TWBX workbooks are typically used for generating reports for a specific time period. Data in TWBX workbooks is not updated automatically as the source data changes. TWBX files can be shared on Tableau servers, using a data cloud service, or via e-mail.

Creating and opening workbook packages

TWBX files can be created by combining TWB template files and TDE source data. Tableau viewer is the fastest option to create TWBX files (a free version is available). TWBX format is based on XML standard, and thus such files can be opened with any text editor. TWBX uses standard compression algorithms supported by most file archiving tools (for example, 7zip), so extracting TWBX should not be a problem. Source data is stored in data subfolder, which can be accessed by extracting the TWBX file.

Programs which support TWBX file extension

Programs that can handle TWBX files are as follows. Files with TWBX extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 11/28/2023

How to open file with TWBX extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening TWBX files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with TWBX files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Tableau Desktop

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports TWBX files installed on the system. To address this issue, go to the Tableau Desktop developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Tableau Desktop installed is by going to developer’s website (Tableau Software) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Tableau Desktop to the latest version

You still cannot access TWBX files although Tableau Desktop is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Tableau Desktop installed, it may not support TWBX format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Tableau Desktop.

Step 3. Associate Tableau Packaged Workbook files with Tableau Desktop

After installing Tableau Desktop (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open TWBX files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the TWBX with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Tableau Desktop is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open TWBX files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with TWBX extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Tableau Desktop and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with TWBX extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the TWBX for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper TWBX file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the TWBX file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the TWBX file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the TWBX file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. TWBX file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with TWBX extension is complete and error-free

If the TWBX file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with TWBX extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Tableau Packaged Workbook file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Tableau Desktop

If the systems has insufficient resources to open TWBX files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Tableau Packaged Workbook files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the TWBX files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

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