Getting Started

The Disclosure XML Editor is a desktop application for visually creating XML documents for statutory disclosure filings with the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger). With this editor, you can create annual financial statements, balance sheets, and other disclosure documents without requiring XML knowledge.

System Requirements

  • Windows: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
  • macOS: macOS 11 Big Sur or later
  • RAM: Minimum 4 GB
  • Disk Space: 200 MB free

Installation

Windows

  1. Download the Windows version (Setup or Portable)
  2. Setup version: Run the .exe file and follow the installation wizard
  3. Portable version: Extract the ZIP file and run the application directly

macOS

  1. Download the macOS version (.dmg)
  2. Open the DMG file
  3. Drag the app to the Applications folder
  4. On first launch: Right-click the app → Select "Open"

License Activation

After purchase, you will receive a serial number by email. To activate the full version:

  1. Start the Disclosure XML Editor
  2. Click "Enter License" in the trial banner or go to Help → License
  3. Enter your serial number (format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
  4. Click "Activate"
Note: A license can be activated on up to 2 devices simultaneously. An internet connection is required for activation.

Deactivating License

To transfer your license to another device:

  1. Go to Help → License
  2. Click "Deactivate"
  3. The license can now be activated on another device

User Interface

Main Areas

  • Toolbar: Quick access to file operations (New, Open, Save)
  • Element Palette: Left side - for inserting new elements (paragraphs, tables, lists)
  • Editor Area: Center - visual editing of the document
  • Document Structure: Bottom left - overview of all elements
  • Properties Panel: Right side - settings for the selected element

Views

  • Visual: WYSIWYG editor for comfortable editing
  • XML Code: Direct view and editing of XML code
  • Preview: Display as it appears in the Federal Gazette

Creating Documents

New Document

  1. Click "New" or use Ctrl+N
  2. An empty document is created
  3. Add elements via the element palette

Opening Existing Documents

  1. Click "Open" or use Ctrl+O
  2. Select an .xml file
  3. The document is loaded in the editor

Adding Elements

Use the element palette on the left side:

  • Head: Announcement header for metadata
  • Paragraph: Text paragraphs
  • Report: Report section headings
  • Title: Intermediate titles
  • Table: Structured tables for balance sheets etc.
  • Lists: Ordered or unordered lists
  • Signature: Signature area

Editing Tables

Tables are a central element for balance sheets and income statements.

Creating a New Table

  1. Click "Table" in the element palette
  2. Select number of columns and rows
  3. Optional: Select a template (Balance, P&L, Simple)
  4. Click "Create"

Table Editor

In the table editor you can:

  • Add/remove rows and columns
  • Merge cells (colspan)
  • Set row types (Main Group, Group, Subtotal, Total)
  • Define column alignment
  • Paste data from Excel

Importing from Excel

  1. Select the desired cells in Excel
  2. Copy with Ctrl+C
  3. Click "From Excel" in the table editor
  4. The data is inserted

XML Export

Saving Documents

  1. Click "Save" or use Ctrl+S
  2. Choose a save location
  3. The file is saved as .xml

Validating XML

In the XML code view you can:

  • Format: Indent XML clearly
  • Validate: Check structure for errors
  • Copy: Copy XML to clipboard
Tip: Validate your document before submission to avoid structural errors.

FAQ

Can I use the software offline?

Yes, after the initial activation, no internet connection is required. The software occasionally checks the license but works offline as well.

Are my documents transmitted to a server?

No. All documents are stored exclusively locally on your computer. No content is transmitted to servers.

What happens after the update period expires?

You can continue using the software indefinitely. Only updates to newer versions are no longer available. An extension is optionally possible.

Is the generated XML file compliant with Federal Gazette requirements?

Yes, the software generates XML files according to the current technical specifications of the Federal Gazette. Responsibility for the content lies with the user.

Does the software support previous year reports?

Yes, you can open existing XML files and use them as templates for new reports.