How to Open XPS Files: A Comprehensive Guide

 What are XPS Files?

XPS (XML Paper Specification) files are a type of document file created by Microsoft. They were designed as an alternative to PDF files and are used to preserve the layout and formatting of documents across different devices and platforms. Think of an XPS file as a digital printout; it keeps all the fonts, images, and layout exactly as they were when the file was created. This makes XPS files particularly useful for sharing documents that need to be printed or viewed exactly as intended, without any formatting issues.

However, since XPS is a Microsoft format, not all devices or software can open these files natively, which is why understanding how to open XPS files is important.

 Opening XPS Files on Windows

If you’re using a Windows computer, you’re in luck. Windows comes with built-in tools for opening XPS files.

 1. Using the XPS Viewer (Windows 7, 8, and 10)

Windows 7, 8, and 10 include an application called XPS Viewer, which allows you to open, view, and manage XPS documents.

Steps:

1. Find the XPS Viewer:

    - Press the `Start` button.

    - Type “XPS Viewer” into the search bar and press Enter.

2. Open Your XPS File:

    - In the XPS Viewer, click `File` in the top left corner.

    - Select `Open…`.

    - Navigate to the XPS file you want to view and select it.

    - Click `Open`.

The XPS Viewer will display your file, and you can use the toolbar to print or search within the document.

 2. Installing the XPS Viewer on Windows 10 (If Not Pre-Installed)

In some versions of Windows 10, the XPS Viewer may not be pre-installed. But don’t worry, you can easily add it back.

Steps:

1. Press the `Start` button and go to `Settings`.

2. Click on `Apps`.

3. Under `Apps & features`, click on `Optional features`.

4. Scroll down and click `Add a feature`.

5. Search for `XPS Viewer` in the list and click `Install`.

Once installed, you can follow the steps above to open your XPS files.

 Opening XPS Files on macOS

Unfortunately, macOS doesn’t natively support XPS files. However, there are a few workarounds that you can use.

 1. Using a Third-Party Viewer

There are several third-party applications available that allow you to view XPS files on a mac. Some popular options include:

- NiXPS View: A straightforward viewer that lets you open and browse XPS files.

- Pagemark XpsViewer: Another option that supports both XPS and OpenXPS file formats.

Steps to Use NiXPS View:

1. Download and install NiXPS View from the official website or the Mac App Store.

2. Open the application.

3. Use the `File` menu to open your XPS file.

 2. Converting XPS Files to PDF

If you don’t want to install additional software, converting the XPS file to a PDF, which macOS can open natively, might be a better option.

Steps:

1. Use an online converter like `xps2pdf.com`.

2. Upload your XPS file.

3. Download the converted PDF file.

4. Open the PDF file using Preview or any other PDF reader on your Mac.

 Opening XPS Files on Linux

On Linux, opening XPS files requires third-party software, as the format is not natively supported.

 1. Using a Third-Party Viewer

MuPDF and Okular are two popular applications that can open XPS files on Linux.

Steps to Use Okular:

1. Install Okular using your package manager. For example:

   - On Ubuntu: `sudo apt-get install okular`

   - On Fedora: `sudo dnf install okular`

2. Open Okular.

3. Use the `File` menu to open your XPS file.

2. Converting XPS Files to PDF

As with macOS, you can also convert XPS files to PDF on Linux.

Steps:

1. Use an online conversion tool like `xps2pdf.com`.

2. Upload your XPS file.

3. Download the converted PDF file.

4. Open the PDF using your preferred PDF viewer.

 Opening XPS Files on Mobile Devices

While XPS files are not natively supported on most mobile devices, there are apps available that can help you open them.

 1. For Android

You can use apps like XPS Reader or Document Viewer.

Steps:

1. Download and install an XPS viewer app from the Google Play Store.

2. Open the app and navigate to your XPS file.

3. Tap the file to open and view it.

 2. For iOS (iPhone and iPad)

For iOS devices, you can use apps like XPS Viewer Pro.

Steps:

1. Download and install an XPS viewer app from the App Store.

2. Open the app and locate your XPS file.

3. Tap the file to view it.

 Converting XPS Files to Other Formats

If you frequently work with XPS files, you might find it useful to convert them to a more widely supported format like PDF.

 Online Converters

Websites like `xps2pdf.com`, `zamzar.com`, and `online2pdf.com` offer easy ways to convert XPS files to PDFs.

Steps:

1. Go to the website.

2. Upload your XPS file.

3. Choose your desired output format (e.g., PDF).

4. Convert and download your file.

 Using Desktop Software

Tools like PDF Converter or Adobe Acrobat (which supports conversion from various formats) can also be used for offline conversions.

 Conclusion

Opening XPS files might seem a bit tricky if you’re not using a Windows PC, but with the right tools and a little know-how, you can easily view and convert these files on any platform. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Linux, or even mobile devices, there’s a solution out there for you. Remember, if you ever run into trouble, converting XPS files to PDF is a reliable workaround that ensures compatibility across all your devices. Happy file viewing!