XY file extension is used by XyWrite word processing software. XyWrite was designed for MS-DOS and Windows 4.13, so it was a popular choice among users during the first half of 1990s.

XY document file format was de go-to format for New York Times during 1989 to 1993. XyWrite format supported macros (XPL) and allowed users to edit up to 9 file simultaneously, each file in separate window. XY files use ASCII text format and can be viewed using any text editor.