What is XPS File Extension?

XML Paper Specification

Overview – What is XPS File Extension?

With the arrival of Windows Vista, Microsoft introduced a new file extension named XPS (XML Paper Specification) which is an alternative to PDF file format. XPS file has a fixed layout and used to open, view, share and print digital documents. It can be opened in Windows Vista/7/8/10 with Microsoft’s XPS Viewer.

Once considered as ‘PDF killer’ but XPS file turned out to be an unpopular file format. Windows 8 uses OXPS (Open XPS) file extension by default.

Application Category

Document Files

Organization

Microsoft introduced XPS file with Windows Vista.

More about XPS File Extension

The XPS file format has a fixed layout.
The XPS document, like PDF, has digital signatures and DRM.
Microsoft Office 2007/2010 users can view XPS file without any additional software to be installed.
Windows Vista/7/8/10 and IE6 or higher has an inbuilt XPS Viewer to open XPS document.
Downloading XPS Essentials Pack in Windows XP/Server 2003, installs XPS Viewer automatically.
Windows 8 uses OXPS (Open XPS) file extension by default.
In order to open XPS file extension, Internet Explorer must be set as a default browser.

Technical Specifications

MIME Type

application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument application/oxps

File Signature Details

Hexadecimal Signature 52 49 46 46 XX XX XX XX 57 45 42 50 Hex: 50 4B 03 04

Applications Supported

XPS file extension can be opened and viewed by Microsoft XPS Viewer.