What is OXPS? OpenXPS Document Format Explained
OXPS is the standardized OpenXPS fixed-layout document format, an ECMA standard based on Microsoft XPS.
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What is OXPS?
OXPS (OpenXPS) is a fixed-layout document format and page description language, the standardized version of Microsoft's XML Paper Specification. It was adopted by Ecma International as standard ECMA-388 in 2009.
Like XPS, an OXPS file is a ZIP-based package of XAML-based markup describing each page's text, vector graphics and images, with device- and resolution-independence. OXPS became the default XPS variant starting with Windows 8, but it is not fully compatible with the earlier XPS format.
How OXPS Works
OXPS is the OpenXPS format, the standardized version of Microsoft's XML Paper Specification. It is a fixed-layout document format in the same family as PDF: an .oxps file describes each page precisely, with text, embedded fonts, vector shapes, and images placed at exact coordinates so the document appears identical everywhere, whether viewed on screen or printed.
Like its XPS predecessor, an OXPS file is really a ZIP archive built on the Open Packaging Conventions. Opening it reveals a set of parts: XML documents defining the layout of each page, the embedded font and image resources, and relationship files that stitch everything into an ordered document. This transparent, standards-based container is one of the format's technical strengths.
The page contents are expressed in a markup derived from XAML, describing every glyph and graphic with explicit positioning. Because fonts are embedded and nothing is allowed to reflow, an OXPS page is a faithful, unchanging rendering of the original, which is exactly what a fixed-layout format is meant to guarantee.
The Open in OpenXPS marks its key difference from the original XPS: it is the version defined by a public, vendor-neutral specification rather than by Microsoft's implementation alone. Newer Windows versions produce .oxps by default from their built-in XPS printer, while the structure and rendering model remain essentially the same as XPS.
History and Standardization
OpenXPS came about when Microsoft's original XPS format was submitted for standardization and published by Ecma International as a vendor-neutral specification. The standardized result took the .oxps extension to distinguish it from the earlier Microsoft-flavored .xps.
From Windows 8 onward, the built-in Microsoft XPS Document Writer began producing OpenXPS .oxps files by default, making it the current native flavor on modern Windows. Older Windows versions and some third-party tools, however, still expect the original .xps, which is the source of most compatibility confusion between the two.
Like XPS before it, OpenXPS never achieved broad adoption against the deeply entrenched PDF. Standardization gave it a clean, open specification, but the ecosystem of readers and tools outside Windows stayed thin, so it remained a niche format used mainly within Windows environments.
OXPS Compared to XPS and PDF
The relationship to XPS is the most common point of confusion. OXPS and XPS are the same document concept, but OXPS is the Ecma-standardized version while XPS is Microsoft's original. They are not always interchangeable: a viewer built for one may not open the other, so an .oxps produced by a recent Windows machine can puzzle an older tool that only knows .xps.
Against PDF, OXPS competes on the same ground of faithful fixed layout and generally matches it technically, with a notably clean ZIP-and-XML structure. PDF wins decisively on reach, being readable on virtually every device and platform. For a document that must open reliably for anyone, PDF remains the dependable choice.
In everyday terms OXPS is best treated as a Windows-native format that is convenient to generate on modern Windows but awkward to share broadly. Because support elsewhere is limited, converting an .oxps to PDF is frequently the practical move before sending it to others.
MKV Technical Specifications
OXPS vs Other Document Formats
| Feature | OXPS | XPS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure/type | Zipped XML[4] | Zipped XML | Page objects |
| Editable | No | No | Limited |
| Layout | Fixed[1] | Fixed | Fixed |
| Standardized by | Ecma (ECMA-388)[3] | Microsoft | ISO |
| Open/proprietary | Open standard[2] | Microsoft-led | Open |
| Best for | Standardized fixed docs | Windows fixed docs | Universal distribution |
OXPS is the standardized Ecma version of XPS, while PDF remains the more widely supported fixed-layout format.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
OXPS is standardized as ECMA-388, giving the OpenXPS format a published, vendor-reviewed specification.
It preserves a document's exact appearance across devices and printers, serving the same purpose as PDF.
OXPS is the default XPS variant from Windows 8 onward, integrated with the system's print and document tools.
Disadvantages
Like XPS, OXPS sees little use compared with PDF, and many applications cannot open it.
OXPS is not fully compatible with the older XPS format, and older Windows versions may not read it without updates.
Common Use Cases
OXPS is used on modern Windows for fixed-layout printing and document exchange.
Print-to-file output
Windows 8 and later produce OXPS when printing to the Microsoft XPS Document Writer.
Document archiving
OXPS captures a fixed rendering of documents for record-keeping on Windows.
Standards-based exchange
Its ECMA-388 basis suits environments that prefer a published fixed-layout specification.
Convert OXPS Files Free
Use our free online document converter to convert OXPS and other formats - no signup, no watermarks.
Try Document Converter FreeHow to open a OXPS file
OXPS files, or Open XML Paper Specification files, are primarily used for document sharing and printing. Software that handles OXPS files can be categorized into professional applications, free/open-source tools, browser-based viewers, and built-in system utilities. Professional software is suitable for users needing advanced features, while free/open-source options cater to those with budget constraints. Browser-based tools offer convenience for quick access, and built-in utilities provide basic functionality without additional installations.
When choosing software for OXPS, factors such as feature fidelity, the need for editing versus viewing, cost, and platform compatibility are crucial. Users should consider whether they require advanced editing capabilities or simple viewing options. Additionally, understanding the cost model—whether free, subscription-based, or one-time purchase—can influence the decision. In some cases, converting OXPS to more widely supported formats may be a better option for compatibility.
Microsoft XPS Viewer Windows 10
Microsoft XPS Viewer is a built-in application in Windows that allows users to view OXPS files. It provides basic viewing capabilities with good fidelity, making it suitable for users who need to read OXPS documents without editing them.
- Zoom in and out for detailed viewing
- Print OXPS documents directly
- Search text within documents
- Navigate through document pages easily
- No installation required on Windows
- Good fidelity for viewing OXPS
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- No editing capabilities
- Limited to Windows platform
- Basic features only
Exports to: None
Best for: Choose Microsoft XPS Viewer for straightforward OXPS viewing on Windows without any additional costs.
Visit Microsoft XPS Viewer →LibreOffice Draw 7.4
LibreOffice Draw is a versatile open-source vector graphics editor that can open and edit OXPS files. It offers a range of editing tools and maintains a high level of fidelity when working with OXPS documents, making it suitable for users needing more than just viewing capabilities.
- Edit text and images within OXPS
- Export to multiple formats including PDF
- Create annotations and comments
- Support for layers and object manipulation
- Comprehensive editing features available
- Cross-platform support for various OS
- Active community and regular updates
- Learning curve for new users
- Performance may vary on older systems
- Occasional formatting issues during export
Exports to: PDF, PNG, JPG, SVG, TIFF
Best for: Select LibreOffice Draw for robust editing capabilities and cross-platform support when working with OXPS files.
Visit LibreOffice Draw →XPS to PDF Converter 2023
XPS to PDF Converter is a web-based tool that allows users to convert OXPS files into PDF format. While it primarily focuses on conversion, it provides a simple interface for users who need to quickly transform OXPS documents into a more widely used format.
- Fast conversion from OXPS to PDF
- No software installation required
- Supports batch conversion
- Preserves original document layout
- Convenient for quick conversions
- Accessible from any device with a browser
- No cost for basic features
- Limited to conversion only
- Requires internet connection
- Potential file size limits for free version
Exports to: PDF
Best for: Use XPS to PDF Converter for quick and easy OXPS to PDF conversions without needing to install software.
Visit XPS to PDF Converter →Okular 1.12
Okular is a powerful document viewer that supports OXPS files among other formats. It offers a range of features for viewing and annotating documents, making it suitable for users who need more than just basic viewing capabilities.
- Annotate and highlight text
- View multiple document formats
- Search functionality within documents
- Bookmark pages for easy navigation
- Rich annotation tools available
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Supports various document formats
- Editing capabilities are limited
- Interface may be overwhelming for beginners
- Performance can lag with large files
Exports to: PDF, PNG, JPG
Best for: Opt for Okular if you need a feature-rich viewer with annotation support for OXPS files across multiple platforms.
Visit Okular →