Xnb files (.xnb) are content files typically used by the Microsoft XNA Framework or MonoGame to store assets like images, sounds, and other resources in a precompiled, efficient format for runtime use. These files are included in the XAP because they are required for the app or game to render graphics, play sounds, or load other assets.
Understanding .xnb Files
- Purpose:
.xnbfiles are precompiled asset files that the game engine uses for better performance. - Types of Content:
- Images (e.g., textures, sprites).
- Sounds (e.g., sound effects, background music).
- Fonts (e.g., bitmap fonts for UI text).
- Other assets (e.g., models, shaders, or serialized data).
How to edit the original assets (like .png or .wav files) from the XNB file
Use a tool like XNBCreator, XNBBrowser, XNBExtract, https://github.com/LeonBlade/xnbcli, https://lybell-art.github.io/xnb-js/
Edit the extracted files in appropriate software (e.g., an image editor for .png files).
Recompile the files into .xnb format using XNA Content Pipeline or MonoGame Pipeline Tool.
How to create New .xnb Files
Use the MonoGame Content Pipeline Tool or an XNA Content Pipeline project in Visual Studio to create new .xnb files from your custom assets.