FAQ
TL;DR: In 3 clicks you can view XML.XAdES files; "press the button verify" then "show document" in ProCertum SmartSign. Works on Windows/Mac when a default XML editor is set. This FAQ helps accountants and developers read eKRS reports and verify signatures. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18635303]
Why it matters: It speeds up due diligence by letting you open eKRS financials and confirm digital signatures without hassle.
Quick Facts
- XML.XAdES typically holds the XAdES signature; the financial data remains in the XML report file. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18634656]
- ProCertum SmartSign verifies the signature and can open the report in your default XML editor; MS Word also opens XML. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18635303]
- Free alternative: PWPW’s Sigillum Sign; download and convert signed files to plain PDF. [Elektroda, BYQ77, post #20421920]
- Excel can read XML; set row height to 50 for readability. LibreOffice Calc may import only text. [Elektroda, ta_tar, post #18637193]
- Real-world: One eKRS case showed 13 downloadable files for a single company. [Elektroda, ta_tar, post #18629071]
What program opens XML.XAdES files from eKRS?
Use ProCertum SmartSign to verify the file, then click Show document to open the report. You can also open the XML report directly with MS Word. ProCertum passes the report to your system’s default XML editor after verification. This covers viewing and signature verification in one workflow. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18635303]
How do I view an XML.XAdES in ProCertum SmartSign?
Follow these steps:
- Open the XML.XAdES in ProCertum SmartSign.
- Click Verify, then Show document.
- The report opens in your default XML editor; set one if prompted.
This is the quickest way to confirm a valid signature and read the content. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18635303]
Can I open XML.XAdES directly without signature software?
Yes. Open it in any application that reads XML. As one expert noted, "all the applications that open files xml they also open signed files, i.e. xml.xades". If your default XML editor is set, double-clicking often works. Editors include code editors and document processors that support XML. Verification still requires a signature tool if you need legal assurance. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18637186]
How do I read these files in Excel or Calc?
Open the XML directly in Excel, or rename .xades to .xml and open it. Increase row height to 50 to make long cells readable. LibreOffice Calc imports only raw text in this case, so formatting may be poor. This approach is good for quick data inspection, not signature validation. [Elektroda, ta_tar, post #18637193]
ProCertum only shows “signing.” How do I verify instead?
Switch to the Signature verification tab in ProCertum SmartSign. The Signing tab is for creating signatures, not reading them. Load the XML.XAdES there and run verification. Then use Show document to view the underlying report in your XML editor. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18634656]
ProCertum says it can’t open the file. What should I change?
Set a default XML editor in your operating system or within ProCertum’s settings. Without a default XML handler, ProCertum may fail to launch the report view. After setting one, re-open the XML.XAdES and use Verify, then Show document. Notepad++ or similar editors work well as defaults. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18634830]
Are KRS financial documents public to read?
Yes. The data is intended to be publicly available, which is why it is shared through the eKRS portal. You can browse and download the files without special entitlements. Always respect any legal use conditions posted on the platform. [Elektroda, pabelos1972, post #18629065]
How do I fetch the files from eKRS?
Use the Financial document viewer on ekrs.ms.gov.pl, pick a KRS number, and show details. Then download the available documents for that entity. You can get both the XML report and its XML.XAdES signature file. Save them to a local folder for verification and reading. [Elektroda, pabelos1972, post #18628959]
What’s inside an XML.XAdES file versus the XML report?
The XML report contains the financial data structured per the ministry’s XSD. The XML.XAdES file is an XML container that stores the digital signature metadata. Open the XML to read the report; use a signature tool to verify the XML.XAdES. Keep the pair together for proper validation. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18634656]
Is there a free alternative that converts to PDF?
Yes. PWPW’s Sigillum Sign is free to download and can open XAdES files. Users report converting the signed content to a plain PDF without issues. This is convenient when recipients expect a printable document. Always verify the signature before conversion for compliance. [Elektroda, BYQ77, post #20421920]
How do I extract plain XML from an XML.XAdES on macOS?
Open the file in ProCertum, select a signer, and choose Show signature. Then use Save content to export the underlying XML without the .xades extension. If it doesn’t auto-open, set TextEdit or another XML-capable app as the default. This resolves most viewing issues on Mac. [Elektroda, pabelos1972, post #18637052]
Notepad++ or Sigillum Sign 4—do they open XML.XAdES?
Yes. Users successfully opened XML.XAdES with Notepad++ and with Sigillum Sign 4 on Windows XP. Notepad++ shows the XML structure for inspection. Sigillum tools handle signature-aware viewing. These options help when newer suites are unavailable. Verification should still be performed when needed. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18633389]
Why do I see 13 files for one company?
Some entities have multiple attachments for a given year, which can look like many files. One case showed 13 files listed for a single company. Identify which you need: the core report, annexes, or the signature file. Download selectively to reduce confusion. [Elektroda, ta_tar, post #18629071]
Can I modify a signed report?
Avoid modifying signed files. One expert warned that such files have internal and external protections, e.g., ADS. Any change will break the signature verification. Always keep originals for audit trails. Edit only unsigned working copies if necessary. [Elektroda, Prot, post #18633389]
) and you might as well open your file that way :idea:
I warn you that he has both internal and external security 
e.g. ADS 
and you should run the tab signature verification 
