Creating an XPS Document

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated November 8, 2021)

XPS documents are simple to create. Any Windows application that permits printing can produce an XPS file. Let's say that you are creating a Word document that contains various fonts and graphics, and that you want to digitally sign it and distribute it without fear of someone else modifying it. This is a good case for creating an XPS document.

Once you have your Word document the way you want it, click its File tab, then click Print. Instead of printing to the default printer, select the printer called "Microsoft XPS Document Writer" then click the Print button. Instead of your document coming out on the printer you'll be prompted to enter a file name. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Creating an XPS file.

Enter the location and name of where you want your XPS file to be created, and click Save. You have now created your XPS document.

The XPS document can now be shared with others and they can view the document as you intended it to be viewed. (In order to see the document, all someone needs to do is to double-click the XPS file.)

 This tip (13017) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Moving and Resizing Windows

The ability to work on multiple things simultaneously is a hallmark of Windows. If you have many windows up at once, ...

Discover More

Renaming Multiple Files at the Same Time

It's possible to rename multiple files at the same time, but the new names of the files may leave a bit to be desired. ...

Discover More

Pin Items to File Explorer's Quick Access View

You can improve your efficiency at navigating the file system by using the Quick Access view. This tip shows you how to ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Quick Photo Printing

Windows 10 allows for quick and easy printing of your photos at standard photo sizes. You can start printing your photos ...

Discover More

Understanding XPS Documents

XPS Documents have been around for several years and are now making their way into the native Windows environment. They ...

Discover More

Creating a Printer Pool

If you work in an office with many users, your system may have access to a group of printers. Here's how you can set up ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is one less than 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips