Documents · .xps
What Is an XPS File?
A .xps file is a fixed-layout document format from Microsoft, similar to PDF.
- Extension
- .xps
- Full name
- XML Paper Specification
- Type
- Document
- MIME type
- application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument
- Developed by
- Microsoft (2006)
About XPS Files
XPS was Microsoft's alternative to PDF, introduced with Windows Vista. Like PDF, it preserves a document's exact layout. It mostly appears when someone prints to the 'Microsoft XPS Document Writer' printer instead of a real one. The standardised version uses the .oxps extension. XPS never became popular outside Windows, and Windows 10 and 11 no longer install the XPS Viewer by default, so converting to PDF is usually the best option.
How to Open an XPS File
- Windows
- Install XPS Viewer from Settings, then Apps, Optional features. Then double-click the file.
- Mac & others
- Use a converter to turn it into PDF first; macOS has no built-in XPS viewer.
XPS File Questions
Why did my document save as XPS instead of printing?
The 'Microsoft XPS Document Writer' printer was selected. Choose your real printer, or 'Microsoft Print to PDF' if you want a PDF.
Is XPS the same as OXPS?
OXPS is the standardised Open XPS version used by Windows 8 and later. Older XPS viewers may not open it.