XPS to PDF Converter: How to Convert XPS Files to PDF for Free

Someone sent you an XPS file and you cannot open it. Or you have a collection of old XPS documents from a Windows system and need them in a universal format. XPS (XML Paper Specification) is Microsoft's alternative to PDF, but it never caught on — most people and devices expect PDF. Here is how to convert XPS files to PDF without paying anything.

What Is an XPS File?

XPS is a document format Microsoft introduced with Windows Vista. It was designed as a PDF competitor — a fixed-layout format that preserves formatting across devices. Windows includes a virtual XPS printer (Microsoft XPS Document Writer) that lets you "print" any document to an XPS file.

• XPS — the original format, common on Windows Vista and 7
• OXPS — Open XPS, a standardized version (ECMA-388) introduced with Windows 8
• Both formats serve the same purpose — OXPS is the newer, standardized version

XPS files can only be opened natively on Windows. Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android do not support XPS without third-party software. Converting to PDF makes your document accessible on every device and platform.

Method 1: Online XPS to PDF Converters

The fastest method — works on any device with a browser:

1. Open your browser and go to an XPS-to-PDF converter like Zamzar, Convertio, or OnlineConvert.
2. Upload your XPS or OXPS file.
3. Select PDF as the output format.
4. Click Convert and download the PDF.

Most online converters handle both XPS and OXPS. Free tiers typically support files up to 50-100 MB. For sensitive documents, use one of the offline methods below to keep your files local.

Method 2: Using Windows Print to PDF

If you are on Windows 10 or 11, you already have a built-in PDF printer:

1. Double-click the XPS file — it opens in the built-in XPS Viewer.
2. Press Ctrl+P or click the Print button.
3. Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer.
4. Click Print and choose where to save the PDF.

This method preserves the exact layout of the original XPS file. It works on any Windows 10 or 11 PC without installing additional software.

Method 3: Using Command Line (Windows)

For batch conversions on Windows, you can use PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Install the Spire.PDF or Aspose library via NuGet.
3. Write a script to iterate through XPS files and convert each to PDF.

For a free command-line option, install GhostXPS (part of the Ghostscript family):

gxps -dNOPAUSE -dBATCH -sDEVICE=pdfwrite -sOutputFile=output.pdf input.xps

Method 4: Using LibreOffice (Mac, Windows, Linux)

LibreOffice can open XPS files on any operating system:

1. Download and install LibreOffice (free, open-source).
2. Open LibreOffice Draw.
3. Go to File > Open and select your XPS file.
4. Go to File > Export As PDF.
5. Adjust settings if needed, then click Export.

LibreOffice may not perfectly preserve complex XPS layouts, but it handles most standard documents well. It is the best free option for Mac and Linux users who need offline conversion.

Method 5: Using Mac Preview Workaround

macOS does not natively support XPS files, but you can work around it:

1. Upload the XPS file to an online converter (Method 1).
2. Download the PDF and open it in Preview.
3. Or, install XPS Reader from the Mac App Store for direct viewing.

For frequent XPS-to-PDF conversions on Mac, LibreOffice (Method 4) is more practical than repeated online conversions.

XPS vs PDF: Quick Comparison

• Compatibility: PDF works everywhere; XPS only works natively on Windows
• Adoption: PDF is the global standard; XPS is rarely used outside enterprise Windows environments
• Features: Both support fixed layout, embedded fonts, and digital signatures
• File size: Similar for equivalent content
• Verdict: Always convert XPS to PDF unless you specifically need XPS for a Windows workflow

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert OXPS to PDF the same way?

Yes. All the methods above work for both XPS and OXPS files. OXPS is simply the newer standardized version of the same format.

Will the conversion preserve formatting?

Yes. XPS-to-PDF conversion preserves the fixed layout, fonts, and images. The PDF will look identical to the original XPS file when viewed on any device.

Can I convert multiple XPS files at once?

Online converters usually handle one file at a time on free tiers. For batch conversion, use the command-line method (GhostXPS) or a dedicated desktop tool. You can also use a PowerShell script to automate the Windows Print-to-PDF method across multiple files.