Why Use an Online iXBRL Viewer?
In the UK, both Companies House and HMRC mandate that annual statutory accounts be submitted in Inline XBRL (iXBRL) format. An iXBRL document is a hybrid file: it presents formatted financial statements that humans can read in a standard web browser, while embedding invisible, machine-readable XBRL tags (concepts, dimensions, context dates, and currency units) for regulatory databases.
Opening an iXBRL file in a standard text editor or generic browser view hides the tags or exposes thousands of lines of raw XML markup. A dedicated iXBRL viewer decodes this metadata, highlighting every tagged accounting concept directly on the document page and providing a searchable facts breakdown.
Need a deep dive on iXBRL format?
Read our comprehensive companion guide explaining FRC taxonomies, tagging structures, and filing requirements.
Key Features of QuickXBRL's Free XBRL Viewer
Our free xbrl viewer has been engineered from the ground up to provide a smooth, private, and instantaneous inspection workflow:
- 100% Client-Side Privacy: Unlike server-based conversion tools, our iXBRL viewer processes your accounts entirely in your local browser memory. No financial data, company secrets, or draft numbers are ever uploaded to external servers.
- Dual Document & Facts Table Views: View the original human-readable accounts layout with interactive green highlights on tagged facts, or switch to the structured Facts Table to sort and filter by tag concept, monetary value, or context period.
- Automatic Metadata & Taxonomy Detection: The viewer automatically detects the reporting entity, Companies House registration number, period start/end dates, and applicable accounting standard (e.g. FRS 105 micro-entity or FRS 102 small companies regime).
- One-Click CSV Export: Easily extract every tagged XBRL concept and numerical value into a spreadsheet-ready CSV file for financial modeling or auditing in Excel.
- Inline Value Editing: Need to test what an adjusted figure would look like before finalizing accounts? Click any tagged fact to edit values locally and download a modified copy.
XBRL Viewer vs. iXBRL Viewer: What's the Difference?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a fundamental technical distinction between a traditional XBRL viewer and an iXBRL viewer:
- Raw XBRL (.xml): Represents purely structured data without visual presentation rules. An XBRL viewer parses XML nodes and displays them in hierarchical data grids.
- Inline XBRL (.html, .xhtml): Combines XHTML markup with inline XBRL tags. An iXBRL viewer renders the visual page (fonts, balance sheet tables, signatures) while overlaying interactive fact details.
QuickXBRL's viewer supports both formats, parsing .xhtml, .html, .htm, and .xml filing documents seamlessly.
How to Open and View an iXBRL File in 3 Steps
- Drag and Drop Your File: Locate your accounts filing (typically ending in
.xhtmlor.html) and drop it into the upload box above. - Inspect Tagged Concepts:Click on any highlighted balance sheet or profit & loss figure to view its taxonomy tag, context reference, and unit in the detail panel.
- Export or Switch Views: Toggle to the Facts Table to search for specific line items, or click Export CSV to work with the data in Excel.
Frequently Asked Questions About iXBRL Viewers
Can I view an iXBRL file without installing software?
Yes. QuickXBRL's free iXBRL viewer works entirely in modern web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) without installing desktop plugins, Java runtimes, or paid licenses.
Is it safe to open confidential accounts in this viewer?
Absolutely. All parsing, rendering, and processing take place on your device. Nothing is sent across the internet, making it ideal for accountants inspecting client draft accounts and sensitive filings.
Where can I download UK company iXBRL files?
You can download filed statutory accounts for any UK registered business directly from the Companies House public register in .xhtml format and drop them into this viewer to inspect.
How do I convert or file iXBRL accounts?
If you need to draft and submit compliant accounts rather than just view them, check out our iXBRL Converter and complete filing wizard for automated FRS 105 and FRS 102 submissions to Companies House.