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Updated: April 13, 2025

.XPS File Extension

There is only one filetype that uses .XPS file extension and it is XML Paper Specification File.

XML Paper Specification File

File category: Page Layout Files
Developer: Microsoft
Open with: Google Drive (+4 more)
Platforms: Windows, macOS, In-browser (Online), Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, iPadOS

An XPS (XML Paper Specification) file is a document format that contains fixed page layout information. Similar to PDF files, XPS documents preserve the exact appearance of content regardless of which system opens them. Once created, XPS files become read-only, ensuring document authenticity when shared.

Microsoft developed the XPS format as a replacement for the Enhanced Metafile (EMF) format. While similar to PDF in purpose, XPS uses XML rather than PostScript technology. In June 2007, Microsoft submitted the XPS specification to Ecma International, and in June 2009, it was approved as Ecma Standard (ECMA-388) at the 97th General Assembly.

XPS files are essentially ZIP archives containing XML markup that defines:

  • Document content and layout
  • Visual appearance of each page
  • Rendering rules for display and printing

If you rename an XPS file with a .ZIP extension, you can explore its component files:

  • Document page files (.fpage) - One per page, containing content and format settings
  • Document settings file (.fdoc) - Stores archive settings
  • Document fragment files (.frag) - Define settings for the XPS file, with one per page

The format includes XML markup for:

  • Pages
  • Text
  • Embedded fonts
  • Raster images
  • 2D vector graphics
  • Digital rights management

This comprehensive structure ensures that documents display correctly even if the viewing system lacks specific fonts or other resources.

Creating XPS Files

Windows users can create XPS files by selecting "Microsoft XPS Document Writer" as the printer when printing a document. This functionality has been included by default since Windows 7. Much like creating PDFs, this process converts the document to a fixed, non-editable format.

How to Open .XPS as XML Paper Specification File

Windows

  • Microsoft XPS Viewer comes pre-installed on Windows Vista through early versions of Windows 10
  • In newer Windows 10 releases and Windows 11, users must manually install XPS Viewer:
    1. Go to Settings → Apps → Optional features → Add an optional feature
    2. Search for and install "XPS Viewer"

Other Operating Systems

  • Mac: NiXPS View and NiXPS Edit
  • Linux: KDE Okular and MuPDF
  • iOS and Android: Various compatible mobile apps
  • Cross-platform: Google Drive

How to Convert an XPS File

XPS files can be converted to PDF format using several methods:

  • In Microsoft XPS Viewer, use the "Microsoft Print to PDF" option
  • In Google Drive, use the Print → Save to PDF feature
  • Various third-party conversion tools are also available online

Applications That Open XPS Files

Windows Apps for XPS Files:

macOS Apps for XPS Files:

In-browser (Online) Apps for XPS Files:

Linux Apps for XPS Files:

iOS Apps for XPS Files:

Android Apps for XPS Files:

ChromeOS Apps for XPS Files:

iPadOS Apps for XPS Files:

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