How to split a large XML file into multiple smaller files

Many users have encountered problems with large XML files and are looking for ways to reduce the size of XML files. The best way to solve this problem is to split the XML files into smaller files.

In this article, you will learn how to split a huge XML file into several smaller files in the easiest and most reliable way. Let’s start with an explanation of what an XML file is before moving on to the solution.

XML file, in brief

An XML file is a plain text file that uses custom markup to define the structure of a document as well as how it is stored and transferred. XML files are useful for categorizing information about almost anything due to their simplicity.

Additionally, XML is widely used as the basis for various document formats.

For example, Microsoft Office 2007 and later versions use XML for document structure. Therefore, whether you save a document in PowerPoint, Word or Excel, the document title with an “X” at the end will appear. The “X” stands for XML. For an Excel file, the header will end with “.XLSX”.

So, now that you know what XML is, let’s move on to the main topic of the article, how to split a large XML file.

How to split a large XML file into smaller files?

Whether you are a Windows, Linux or Mac user, rest assured that there is an application that can split a large XML file (in terms of file size) into smaller XML file chunks.

Here I will review 3 apps, each for the mentioned operating system.

Split a large XML file into the Windows (Method #1)

“Split XML Into Multiple Files Software” is an XML splitter that allows you to easily split huge XML files into smaller ones while maintaining the best possible quality.

After cutting files, you can effortlessly copy them to external drives or email them to others.

Download the app, then follow the steps below to split your XML file into smaller files.

1. First, click the “Add XML files” to provide the input path of the file to split, or easily drag and drop your files.



2. Then select the tag by which the new file will be split.



3. Then choose after which tag period to split into a new file.



4. Finally, select the folder where you want to save the split files and click “start splitting“.

Split a large XML file into the Windows (Method #2)

Here is another Windows application that will also do the trick – WXR File Splitter. This application does not require installation, you can use it immediately after downloading.

Once opened, you will see the WXR file splitter window. Click the “Open WXR File” button to import your large XML file, then click the “Split File” button to start splitting your large XML file.

And when the file is split, you will see the result in an open file location window.

Split a large XML file into macOS (Method #1)

EasySplitMerge is a tool for splitting and merging files. It does not destroy or delete any part of your data and you will receive the same files as before splitting.

Generally, large files are difficult to transfer, so breaking them into smaller pieces makes it easier for users. The unique feature of the tool is that it specifies the unit size of split files.

Here’s how to use EasySplitMerge, but you’ll need to download the app first.

1. Click it split file button.



2. Choose which file to split and where to save the split files. Next, choose one of two basic file splitting options: split file by size or split file by a number of files.



3. And the last step is just to click on the start dividing button.

Split a large XML file into macOS (Method #2)

To split a large file, or in this case a large XML file, you can also use this simple Python script called “mainSplit.py”.

Download the mainSplit.py script, make sure to download the file with the extension (.py) and not the extension (.txt). Once downloaded, launch the Terminal application (Inside Application > Utilities) on your Mac and enter the following command line:

python mainScript.py

Running the above command will launch a WordPress XML Splitter application UI. Click the “Browse File” button to locate the XML file you want to split, then select the folder where you want to save the file by clicking “Browse Directory”.

When you are ready, click on the “Start” button and the treatment will begin immediately.

To check for split files, navigate to the directory you selected earlier.

Split a large XML file into linux

WoodCutter is a lightweight file cutter for Linux; it also has a version for Windows. It is also a multi-functional tool that can be used to join files as well as split them.

This application supports a variety of file formats, including the one we need – XML. By using this tool, you can split any file into smaller pieces and share them with other users with just one click.

You can also specify the size of the split files with this app, and after that you will get the number of files based on that size.

This is how it works:

1. Click on the “Task» then on the button «Split a file” button.



2. Now you need to click on the “Browse” button and open the file you want to split.



3. Select the maximum file split size in GB, MB or KB. And, if you want, you can choose the destination directory where the split files will be downloaded.



4. To finish. Click on “Start the splitting process.”