Open XPS File: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to open an XPS file but unsure how to proceed? XPS, or XML Paper Specification, is a file format developed by Microsoft that is used for documents. It is similar to PDF but has some distinct features. In this article, we will delve into the details of opening an XPS file, covering various aspects such as compatibility, software, and conversion methods.
Understanding XPS Files
Before we dive into the process of opening an XPS file, it’s essential to understand what it is. XPS files are designed to be an open standard for electronic document exchange. They are often used for distributing documents that need to be printed or viewed on a computer. Unlike PDF files, XPS files are not as widely supported, but they offer some advantages, such as better image quality and support for more complex layouts.
Compatibility with Different Devices and Operating Systems
One of the primary concerns when dealing with XPS files is compatibility. Here’s a breakdown of how XPS files can be opened on different devices and operating systems:
| Device/Operating System | Compatibility | Software |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Native support | Microsoft Edge, Windows Photo Viewer |
| Mac | Not natively supported | Adobe Acrobat Pro, Foxit PhantomPDF |
| Linux | Not natively supported | Okular, Evince |
| Android | Not natively supported | Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit PDF Reader |
| iPhone/iPad | Not natively supported | Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit PDF Reader |
As you can see, while Windows has native support for XPS files, other operating systems require additional software to open them.
Opening an XPS File on Windows
On Windows, opening an XPS file is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
- Double-click the XPS file to open it.
- By default, Microsoft Edge will open the file. If you prefer another viewer, you can change the default program by right-clicking the file, selecting “Open with,” and then choosing the desired program from the list.
- If the desired program is not listed, click “Choose another app” and navigate to the program’s executable file.
Once the file is open, you can view, print, or save it as needed.
Opening an XPS File on Mac
On a Mac, you’ll need to use third-party software to open an XPS file. Here’s how to do it using Adobe Acrobat Pro:
- Download and install Adobe Acrobat Pro from the Adobe website.
- Open Adobe Acrobat Pro and go to “File” > “Open.” Navigate to the XPS file and click “Open.” The file will be converted to PDF format and opened in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Alternatively, you can use Foxit PhantomPDF, which is another popular option for opening XPS files on Mac.
Opening an XPS File on Linux
On Linux, you can use Okular or Evince to open XPS files. Here’s how to do it with Okular:
- Install Okular from your Linux distribution’s package manager.
- Open Okular and go to “File” > “Open.” Navigate to the XPS file and click “Open.” The file will be opened in Okular.
Evince is another option, but it may not support all XPS features as well as Okular.
Converting an XPS File to PDF
Converting an XPS file to PDF is a common requirement, especially if you need to share the document with someone who doesn’t have an XPS viewer. Here
