The XML Paper Specification (XPS) is a document file format that encapsulates the visual appearance of a document, encapsulating both the text and graphical elements. Initially developed by Microsoft, XPS was intended as a direct competitor to Adobe's PDF format.
XPS was introduced with Windows Vista as part of the new printing architecture. Though not as widely adopted as PDF, XPS has found its niche, particularly in environments closely tied to Microsoft's ecosystem. The format was later standardized as an open document standard, known as OpenXPS, in 2009.
XPS files are essentially XML files that use a set of conventions for representing page layout, text, images, and other document content. The XPS file is often a single file but can also be a set of files archived together. In its single-file form, it uses the .xps extension, while as a package, it employs the .oxps extension.
An XPS file can consist of several components:
XPS files can be created using the "Microsoft Print to XPS" option available in Windows. To view an XPS file, one can use the XPS viewer integrated into Windows or third-party software. There are also several online tools available for converting XPS to other formats, such as PDF, should that be necessary.
Though not as ubiquitous as the PDF format, XPS has specific advantages that make it a suitable choice for certain applications, particularly those within the Microsoft ecosystem. With features like high-quality print outputs and digital signature support, XPS is more than just a "me-too" alternative to PDF; it's a robust format in its own right.