XPS File Extension
XML Paper Specification Format
- File Type xps
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft XPS Viewer
- Category Document Files
- Format Zip
What is a XPS file?
XML Paper Specification Format, identified by the XPS extension, is a Document Files type and includes 969 files.
With the creation of the XML Paper Specification Format (XPS), Microsoft introduced file format along with 242 programs built for their use.
XPS file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. You can view a XPS file using one of 24 programs, for example Microsoft XPS Viewer, NiXPS View and XPS Viewer.
File Signature
HEX code: 50 4B 03 04. ASCII code: PK.
Programs that support XPS files
Windows
Microsoft XPS Viewer
NiXPS View
XPS Viewer
Pagemark XPS Viewer
Danet Studio
NiXPS Edit
Microsoft XPS Document Writer
XpsConverter- XPS to Any Converter
- Free XPS To PDF Converter
Xara Page & Layout Designer
Microsoft PowerPoint- XPS to JPG Converter
- Total PDF Converter
Microsoft Word- xps2img
- XPS-to-PDF
- Pagemark XPS Converter
Microsoft Excel
Linux
Online Services
How to open a XPS file?
The most common reason why a XPS file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
When it comes to opening and working with XPS files, Microsoft XPS Viewer, NiXPS View and XPS Viewer are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of Microsoft XPS Viewer, just access the Microsoft website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
After installing, your OS should instantly open XPS files with Microsoft XPS Viewer.
Make Microsoft XPS Viewer the default XPS viewer
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your XPS file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Microsoft XPS Viewer as the application to associate with your XPS file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired XPS file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look towards the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. "Recommended programs" will be the default selection;
- Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for Microsoft XPS Viewer. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.
Finding answers to XPS file problems
Problematic XPS files can usually be resolved by making small changes in your software. See the tips below to help fix common issues.
What can lead to sudden Microsoft XPS Viewer crashes?
Microsoft XPS Viewer crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Microsoft products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged XPS file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged XPS file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged document files.
What are the signs that my XPS file is damaged?
Common indications of damaged XPS document files are:
- Editing the archive in Microsoft XPS Document Writer results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
- Opening or processing the file in Microsoft XPS Viewer or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the XPS file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
How to edit a XPS file?
To edit XPS files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the document files. Online XPS editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for XML Paper Specification Format.
List of Top XPS editors 2026
Based on the specified criteria, here is a list of XPS editors that may fit your requirements.
| XPS Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danet Studio | Danetsoft | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Microsoft XPS Document Writer | Microsoft | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| NiXPS Edit | NiXPS | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
Convert to and from XPS
If handling a XPS file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIF or other supported types.
Keep in mind that converting a XPS file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Using offline converters like XpsConverter ensures high-quality conversion of XPS files to different formats.