What is OXPS?

OXPS (Open XML Paper Specification) is the Ecma International standardized version of Microsoft's XPS format, designed as a Windows-native alternative to PDF. Uses Open XML structure (ZIP container with XML markup) to preserve exact document layout, fonts, images, and vector graphics. OXPS guarantees documents look identical across devices and printers. Supported natively in Windows 8+ with built-in viewer. Uses XAML-based page descriptions.

OXPS is used primarily in Windows environments for document archival, print workflows, and situations requiring fixed layouts. Windows 8+ uses OXPS as default "Print to File" format. Some enterprise document management systems support OXPS. However, OXPS has limited adoption outside Windows - PDF dominates cross-platform document sharing. OXPS offers better integration with Windows printing subsystem and .NET applications. Can be converted to PDF for universal compatibility.

Did you know? OXPS is the standardized successor to Microsoft's original XPS format!

History

Microsoft developed XPS as a PDF competitor, later submitting it to Ecma International for standardization, resulting in the Open XPS (OXPS) specification.

Key Milestones

  • 2006: Original XPS (.xps) released
  • 2007: Vista native XPS support
  • 2009: Ecma-388 OXPS standard
  • 2012: Windows 8 OXPS default
  • 2013: ISO/IEC 29500 standardization
  • Present: Windows-native format

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • Fixed Layout: Exact page fidelity
  • Open XML: Standardized format
  • Vector Graphics: Scalable content
  • Font Embedding: Typography preservation
  • Transparency: Alpha channels
  • Digital Signatures: Document security

Common Use Cases

Windows Printing

"Print to File" format

Document Archival

Windows-based systems

Enterprise

.NET application output

Workflows

Document preservation

Advantages

  • Native Windows support (8+)
  • Open XML standardized format
  • Excellent print fidelity
  • Vector graphics support
  • .NET framework integration
  • Digital signature capability
  • Smaller files than some PDFs

Disadvantages

  • Limited non-Windows support
  • PDF dominates cross-platform use
  • Fewer viewers and tools than PDF
  • Low adoption rate globally
  • Compatibility issues on Mac/Linux
  • Not suitable for web distribution

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .oxps
MIME Type application/oxps
Base Format Open XML (ZIP container)
Page Description XAML-based markup
Standard Ecma-388, ISO/IEC 29500
Status Active (Windows-centric)

Common Tools

  • Windows: XPS Viewer (built-in Windows 8+)
  • Creation: Windows "Print to OXPS" driver
  • Conversion: Microsoft XPS Document Writer, online converters
  • Development: .NET XPS Document API