Microsoft users are probably familiar with the XPS format. This file format has been around for a while. Even though it offers many advantages, XPS is not so easy to handle. For easier handling, the best option is to convert XPS to PDF. In this article, learn more about the XPS format, the benefits of converting it to PDF, and finally, how to convert XPS to PDF.
What is XPS?
XPS is a standardized, open format. It stands for Open XML Paper Specification. XPS files were first used as a replacement for the EMF format.
This format is a Microsoft alternative to PDF. It was introduced in Windows Vista for the first time but since then has never gained much traction among users. To sum it up, an XPS file is Microsoft's less compatible version of a PDF file. Still, modern versions of Windows continue to include better support for XPS files than PDF files. Microsoft Word even prefers XPS over PDF for saving documents in a fixed-layout file.
Because of how XPS files are structured, the document description stays the same regardless of the operating system or printer and is consistent across all platforms. XPS also supports other features you find in PDF, such as digital signaturesandDRM. Windows users can export their documents in XPS format.
Why should you convert XPS files to PDF?
Both XPS and PDF file formats are designed to provide read-only documents with optimal print quality. They also embed all necessary fonts, store metadata, and can include hyperlinks. However, since the XPS format is not as common as PDF, some operating systems (such as Linux, Mac, or older versions of Windows) might not support it.
Today, it is important to be able to easily open and view documents on mobile devices (Android, iOS). For XPS files, you first need to convert the XPS file to another format (PDF).
When sending documents, the recipient will be familiar with PDF files and will be able to open them. An XPS file may look unfamiliar, and the recipient may not be able to open it at all. For example, Mac devices do not include built-in support for XPS files but include built-in PDF support. Although there are third-party applications that can view and read XPS files, overall support for this format is very limited.
How to convert XPS to PDF?
Our online document converter allows you to convert your files from XPS to PDF in high quality..
Follow these three simple steps to convert an XPS file to PDF:
- Go to PDF2Go's Convert to PDF converter and upload your XPS file.
- You can do this via drag & drop from an open folder or by browsing your hard drive after clicking the "Choose File" button. If your XPS file is online, enter its URL, or upload it from cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Depending on the number and size of the XPS files, the process might take a bit.
- Choose "Use OCR" if you want to extract text from an image (optional).
- Choose a language (optional).
- Click the "Start" button.
- Download your new PDF.
Once the conversion process is complete, download your new PDF file. Your job is done.
Conclusion
PDF has become the standard for exchanging, sharing, and presenting documents for a good reason. If you use the XPS format and would like to convert your documents to PDF, using the PDF2Go converter is a quick and easy solution. Once converted to PDF, your XPS files can be safely shared, stored, and combined with other documents. They will also be compatible with nearly all other software programs.
Try it yourself. Convert XPS to PDF today.
PDF2Go is here to help you get the most out of your documents.
