XPS File: What It Is and Why Windows Uses It
XPS File Format: An Overview
XPS stands as Microsoft's response to the widely used PDF format. Initially launched with Windows Vista, it failed to achieve widespread adoption.
Despite its limited popularity, contemporary Windows operating systems still offer enhanced support for XPS files compared to PDF.
A Diminished Role
Originally envisioned as a potential replacement for PDF, the XPS file format currently persists within Windows, largely due to established system integration.
For most users, it is recommended to avoid XPS files and prioritize the use of PDF files instead.
PDF Printing Support in Windows 10
Windows 10 now incorporates native functionality for printing directly to PDF files.
This development significantly reduces the necessity of interacting with the XPS format.
The information provided below is retained for historical context, but utilizing PDF is strongly advised over XPS.
Understanding XPS Files
An XPS file functions similarly to a PDF or PostScript file. It’s designed to represent documents with a consistent, fixed layout. Like PDFs, XPS files also accommodate features such as digital signatures and Digital Rights Management (DRM).
XPS is, in essence, a standardized and open file format. The acronym stands for Open XML Paper Specification. It shares a characteristic with “Office Open XML” – both are open, standardized formats, though widespread adoption by software developers hasn’t materialized for XPS.
The Evolution to OXPS
Windows 8, by default, utilizes the OXPS file extension for the XPS files it creates. OXPS, which represents OpenXPS, is the standardized iteration of the original XPS format. However, it’s important to note that OXPS files aren’t directly compatible with the XPS Viewer included in Windows 7.
Consequently, conversion of OXPS files to the original XPS format is necessary for viewing them on Windows 7 systems.
Key Differences and Compatibility
In summary, an XPS file can be considered Microsoft’s alternative to the PDF file, albeit one with comparatively limited compatibility.
- XPS stands for Open XML Paper Specification.
- OXPS is the standardized version used by Windows 8.
- Conversion may be needed for compatibility with older systems.
Digital signatures and DRM features are supported by both XPS and PDF formats.
XPS Capabilities Integrated into Windows Operating Systems
Several versions of Windows, specifically Vista, 7, and 8, incorporate native XPS functionalities. Notably, Windows 8 demonstrates enhanced support for XPS files when compared to its handling of PDF documents.
- Microsoft XPS Document Writer: A virtual printer, designated “Microsoft XPS Document Writer,” is installed by Microsoft. This printer facilitates the creation of XPS files from any document sent to it for printing. It functions similarly to a “print to PDF” option, though its utility is somewhat limited due to reduced compatibility with other applications.
- XPS Viewer: A dedicated application, the XPS Viewer, is included to enable desktop viewing of XPS documents.
Despite Windows 8’s promotion of improved PDF support through its Modern “Reader” application, external software is required for desktop PDF viewing or for printing documents to the PDF format.
When to Utilize XPS Files?
Initially envisioned as a potential alternative to the PDF format when introduced with Windows Vista, XPS files have not achieved widespread adoption. Despite Windows prompting users to print to XPS via the XPS Document Writer, the creation of these files remains infrequent.
The rationale for choosing an XPS file over a PDF is not readily apparent, except perhaps when a document needs to be saved as a file and a PDF printer isn't available. Microsoft hasn't actively promoted XPS as superior to PDF, and has offered no compelling reasons for its use in recent years.
The inclusion of a native PDF viewer in Windows 8 arguably signaled a shift in Microsoft’s stance, demonstrating support for a competing document format. While the benefits of XPS file creation are questionable, its drawbacks are more defined.
Limitations of XPS Files
Global standardization has largely favored PDF files, while XPS remains relatively obscure. Sharing a document in XPS format carries the risk of incompatibility. Recipients are far more likely to be familiar with, and able to open, PDF files.
For instance, macOS does not natively support XPS files, but includes built-in PDF support. Numerous applications offer PDF compatibility, whereas support for XPS is considerably less common. While third-party viewers exist for XPS, their availability is limited.
In conclusion, utilizing XPS files for personal documents is generally not recommended. Like another Microsoft technology from the same era, Silverlight, XPS appears to have been largely overlooked.
Silverlight was intended to compete with Flash, but has since been discontinued. Similarly, XPS has failed to supplant the dominance of the PDF format.