Understanding XPS Documents

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

XPS (XML Paper Specification) documents are a bit like PDF documents. You might think of XPS as Microsoft's answer to Adobe's PDF. Both types of documents allow anyone to create and view them without paying royalties. XPS documents, though, provide a bit more information. In fact, they are actually a type of ZIP archive, containing the various files needed to accurately reconstruct the original document. (If you opened an XPS file with an unzipping utility you'd see that it contains folder structures and files.)

For example, one of the files included in an XPS document includes the fonts necessary to accurately reproduce the original image. XPS is designed primarily to transform onscreen content, such as Web pages, into printable documents. In addition to being viewable and printable, the XPS file can easily be searched and protected with digital rights management systems within Windows.

The use of XPS is recommended when you have a document that you don't want others to modify, when you want it to display on your screen exactly as it is displayed online, or for files that contain graphics that might display differently in print or on computers with different monitors.

 This tip (13016) 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

Understanding the NTFS File System

The NTFS file system is at the core of the Windows operating system. This tip explains a bit about it.

Discover More

Understanding ISO Images

ISO images are great for archival and portability. An ISO image is a file on your hard drive that represents an optical ...

Discover More

Sharing a Windows Theme with a Friend or Coworker

Being able to customize your theme is a great way to personalize your computer, but what if you want to share your theme ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Changing Your Printer Settings

Want to change how your printer does its work? You can easily control your printer by modifying the settings maintained ...

Discover More

Adding a Printer

One of the most common output devices used with computers is a printer. This tip explains, in detail, how you can set up ...

Discover More

Specifying the Default Printer

Windows allows you to define many printers that can be used with your system. Chances are good that one of those printers ...

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 seven minus 3?

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


Newest Tips