.xps File — XML Paper Specification

XPS (XML Paper Specification) is a fixed-layout document format developed by Microsoft as an alternative to PDF. Originally released with Windows Vista in 2006, XPS documents are ZIP archives containing XML markup that describes page layout, typography, and graphics using a subset of XAML. The format preserves exact visual fidelity across devices and platforms, supporting vector graphics, raster images, embedded fonts, transparency, gradients, and color management through ICC profiles. Microsoft later evolved the format into OpenXPS, which was standardized as ECMA-388. XPS supports digital signatures and rights management through DRM. While XPS never achieved the widespread adoption of PDF, it remains integrated into Windows as a built-in print driver and document format. The XPS viewer is included with Windows, and the format can be generated from any Windows application through the Microsoft XPS Document Writer virtual printer. XPS files tend to be well-structured and relatively compact for their visual fidelity.