Free Tool · No Signup RequiredRuns entirely in your browser
ESX File Validator
Check a Xactimate .esx file or pasted XACTDOC XML against the structural rules Xactimate project files follow. Get a pass/fail verdict with every issue listed — including the SEL-code defect that makes Xactimate reject files with "Invalid file format".
Built with the same format knowledge that powers ESXPress conversion — now free for anyone to check a file with.
The checks mirror the structural verification ESXPress applies to its own exports before delivery. Everything runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ESX validator check?
For .esx uploads it verifies the file structure: the archive format, the required document member, and the payload structure. For pasted XML it validates the full XACTDOC structure: root element, required sections (PROJECT_INFO, CLAIM_INFO, SALESTAXES, EMBEDDED_PL), numeric lastCalcGrandTotal, CAT|SEL code shape on every line item, and SEL codes containing characters outside the Xactimate charset — which Xactimate rejects on import with 'Invalid file format'.
Why does Xactimate reject some ESX files as 'Invalid file format'?
Xactimate rejects ESX files whose SEL codes contain characters outside the charset Xactimate project files use (A-Z a-z 0-9 # + . / -). When catalog data gets corrupted, entity characters can leak into codes — for example APP|CKIT> or RFG|ARMV>>. The validator scans every SEL code for this pattern and reports it as a blocking error.
Can the validator open my .esx file?
No — the validator runs entirely in your browser and checks the container and document structure without unpacking the estimate payload. For deep schema validation, open the file with your own tooling and paste the resulting XACTDOC.XML, or paste plain XML from tools that export readable XML.
Is the ESX validator free?
Yes. It is a free tool from ESXPress with no signup and no conversion quota. Validation runs entirely in your browser — your file never leaves your machine.
What is an ESX file?
An ESX file is Xactimate's native project file format: it holds the full estimate — line items, groups/folders, CAT|SEL codes, quantities, prices, notes, and metadata. Import it into Xactimate and it reprices against the loaded price list.
Want a full PDF scope converted — not just validated?
Drop the whole carrier PDF in ESXPress and get an import-ready .esx in about two minutes — every line item checked against the SEL dictionary, up to 1,000 line items per scope. Always verify the output in your own environment before submission.