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 uses the same fundamental design as XPS: a ZIP package of OPC parts whose pages are described in a XAML-based markup for text, vector graphics, and images, delivering device- and resolution-independent fixed layout.[4] It is registered under the media type application/oxps.[2]
History and Standardization
OpenXPS is the standardized form of Microsoft's XPS, adopted by Ecma International as ECMA-388 in 2009 to provide a vendor-neutral specification.[3] Microsoft made OXPS the default XPS variant beginning with Windows 8, while continuing to recognize the format as a preservation-relevant page-description language.[1]
Compatibility with XPS
Despite their close relationship, OXPS and the earlier XPS are not fully interchangeable: documents saved as OXPS on Windows 8 or later may not open in the XPS Viewer on Windows 7 without conversion.[1] This versioning split, combined with PDF's dominance, has kept OXPS a niche format used mainly within recent Windows printing workflows.[4]
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 | FileFormer
Windows 8 and later produce OXPS when printing to the Microsoft XPS Document Writer.
Document archiving | FileFormer
OXPS captures a fixed rendering of documents for record-keeping on Windows.
Standards-based exchange | FileFormer
Its ECMA-388 basis suits environments that prefer a published fixed-layout specification.
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Try Document Converter FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OXPS and XPS?
XPS is the original Microsoft format used in Windows Vista and 7, while OXPS is the standardized OpenXPS version (ECMA-388) that became the default in Windows 8. The two formats are not fully compatible.
How do I open an OXPS file?
On Windows 8 and later you can open OXPS in the built-in XPS Viewer. On older Windows or other platforms you may need to convert it to PDF or install supporting software.
Is OXPS the same as PDF?
No. Both are fixed-layout document formats, but OXPS is Microsoft's ECMA-388 OpenXPS standard, while PDF is Adobe's widely supported ISO standard. PDF has far broader software support.
Can I convert OXPS to PDF?
Yes. Various tools and online converters can turn OXPS files into PDF, which makes them viewable in any standard PDF reader and easier to share across platforms.