Converting XPS (XML Paper Specification) files to PDF (Portable Document Format) can be quite useful, especially if you need to share or print the document on different platforms. While XPS is a file format commonly used on Windows systems, you can still convert XPS files to PDF on your Mac without any hassle. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to convert XPS to PDF on a Mac.
Step 1: Download and install a virtual XPS printer on your Mac. One of the popular options is "CUPS-PDF." You can download this printer driver from the official website or through third-party sources.
Step 2: Once the driver is installed, go to the document you want to convert to PDF and open it. Then, click on the "File" menu on the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select the "Print" option. This will open the Print dialog box.
Step 4: In the Print dialog box, choose the virtual XPS printer you installed (e.g. "CUPS-PDF") from the list of available printers.
Step 5: Click on the "Print" button to proceed. A save dialog box will appear asking you to provide a location to save the converted PDF file.
Step 6: Choose a location on your Mac where you want to save the converted PDF file and give it a name.
Step 7: Click on the "Save" button, and the XPS file will be converted to a PDF file and saved in the location you specified.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to convert XPS files to PDF. | 1. Requires installation of a virtual XPS printer, which might be an additional step for some users. |
| 2. Allows seamless sharing and printing of XPS files on different platforms. | 2. Converted PDFs may not retain certain formatting elements present in the original XPS file. |
| 3. PDF files are widely supported and can be easily viewed on various devices. | 3. The quality and fidelity of the conversion may vary depending on the complexity of the XPS file. |
Video Tutorial:What app converts XPS to PDF?
What software opens XPS files?
XPS (XML Paper Specification) files were developed by Microsoft as a fixed-page document format similar to PDF. To open XPS files, you have a few options:
1. Microsoft XPS Viewer: One option is to use the default XPS viewer provided by Microsoft. It is available on Windows systems and can be used to open, view, and print XPS documents. This software comes pre-installed on most Windows operating systems.
2. XPS Viewer Apps: There are several third-party XPS viewer applications available for different operating systems. These apps can be downloaded and installed to open XPS files. Some popular XPS viewer apps include XPS Reader, Xodo PDF Reader & Editor, and Gaaiho PDF Reader.
3. Web Browsers: Another way to open XPS files is to use web browsers that have built-in support for the format. Modern browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox can open XPS files directly, without needing any additional software.
4. Converters: If you don’t have a dedicated XPS viewer or prefer to work with a different file format, you can use online conversion tools or desktop software to convert XPS files to more common formats like PDF. Once converted, you can utilize various PDF viewers to open and view the converted files.
Remember, the above suggestions are based on the information available as of 2023. It’s always recommended to stay updated with the latest software options and check for any advancements or changes in file format compatibility.
How do I convert an XPS File to a PDF?
Converting an XPS file to a PDF can be done using several methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to convert an XPS file to a PDF:
1. Online Conversion Tools:
– Go to a reliable online conversion tool such as Smallpdf, Zamzar, or Investintech.
– Select the XPS file you want to convert from your local drive or cloud storage.
– Choose the output format as PDF.
– Click on the "Convert" or "Start" button to initiate the conversion process.
– Wait for the conversion to complete and then download the PDF file.
2. Microsoft XPS Viewer:
– Open the XPS file you want to convert using the Microsoft XPS viewer.
– Click on the "File" option in the top-left corner of the window.
– Select the "Save As" or "Export" option.
– Choose the output format as PDF.
– Select the destination folder to save the PDF file.
– Click on the "Save" button to convert the XPS file to PDF.
3. Microsoft Word:
– Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
– Click on the "File" tab in the top-left corner of the window.
– Select the "Open" option and browse for the XPS file.
– Choose the XPS file you want to convert and click on "Open".
– Once the file is opened, go to the "File" tab again.
– Click on the "Save As" option and choose PDF as the output format.
– Select the destination folder to save the PDF file.
– Click on the "Save" button to convert the XPS file to PDF.
4. Third-Party Software:
– Install a third-party file converter software like Adobe Acrobat or Nitro PDF.
– Launch the software and import the XPS file you want to convert.
– Look for the conversion options or settings within the software.
– Select PDF as the output format and configure any additional settings if needed.
– Choose the destination folder to save the converted PDF file.
– Click on the "Convert" or "Save" button to convert the XPS file to PDF.
Remember, the specific steps may vary depending on the software or online tool you use. Ensure that you have the necessary software installed or choose a reputable online tool for converting your XPS files to PDF format.
What is PDF XPS format?
PDF and XPS are two popular document file formats used for sharing and preserving documents in a consistent format. Let’s dive into what each format entails:
PDF (Portable Document Format):
1. Created by Adobe Systems in the early 1990s, PDF has become a standard for document exchange worldwide.
2. PDF files retain the formatting and visual elements of a document, regardless of the software, hardware, or operating system used to view it.
3. PDFs can contain text, images, hyperlinks, interactive elements, and even multimedia content.
4. The format is widely compatible, with PDF readers available on almost every platform and device.
5. PDFs support encryption, digital signatures, and other security features for protecting sensitive information.
6. You can create PDF files using various methods, including saving from software applications or converting other file formats.
XPS (XML Paper Specification):
1. XPS is an electronic document format developed by Microsoft as an alternative to PDF.
2. Introduced in 2006, XPS stores documents as XML (Extensible Markup Language) files.
3. Like PDF, XPS preserves document layout, fonts, graphics, and other visual aspects across different platforms.
4. XPS files can include embedded fonts, 3D images, and even digital rights management (DRM) for content protection.
5. While PDF is popular across platforms, XPS has better native support within the Windows ecosystem.
6. XPS files can be created in Windows applications by printing to the Microsoft XPS Document Writer virtual printer or using specific software.
Both PDF and XPS are used for various purposes, such as sharing documents, publishing reports, distributing forms, and archiving content. The choice between the two formats often depends on personal preference, specific software requirements, or the intended audience’s preferred format.
It’s worth noting that as of my knowledge background in 2023, this information is accurate. However, please stay updated with any advancements or changes in the document file format landscape.
What program opens XPS files?
XPS files, short for XML Paper Specification files, are a type of document format often used for sharing and viewing documents. When it comes to opening XPS files, there are a few options you can consider:
1. Microsoft XPS Viewer: The first and most common option is to use the default application provided by Microsoft called "Microsoft XPS Viewer." This program comes pre-installed on Windows computers, typically included in the Windows operating system. To open an XPS file, you can simply double-click on the file, and it should open in the Microsoft XPS Viewer.
2. XPS Reader Apps: If you’re working on a non-Windows device or prefer third-party software, several XPS reader applications are available for download. Here are a few notable options:
– Adobe Acrobat Reader: Adobe’s popular PDF reader can also open XPS files.
– XPS Viewer: This app is available on the Microsoft Store and offers a more feature-rich experience for viewing XPS files.
– Soda PDF: Another well-known PDF software that supports opening XPS files.
3. Online Conversion Tools: If you don’t wish to install any additional software, online conversion tools can be an alternative. You can upload your XPS file to websites that offer XPS-to-PDF conversion services, and they will convert the file for you. Once converted to PDF, various PDF readers can then open the document.
It’s worth noting that the availability of XPS file opening software may vary depending on the operating system or device you are using. However, with the options mentioned above, you should be able to find a suitable program or method to open XPS files conveniently.
What app do you use to open XPS files?
When it comes to opening XPS files, there are multiple applications that you can use depending on the operating system you are using. Here’s a breakdown of options available for different platforms:
1. Windows:
– XPS Viewer: Windows operating systems usually come with a built-in XPS Viewer application that allows you to open XPS files without the need for any additional software. To open an XPS file using XPS Viewer, you can simply double-click on the file, and it will open in the viewer automatically.
2. Mac:
– XPS-to-PDF Converter: Since XPS is not a native file format for macOS, you will need to convert the XPS file to PDF format before you can view it on a Mac. There are multiple online converters available that can convert XPS to PDF.
– Adobe Acrobat Reader: Once you have converted the XPS file to PDF, you can open it using Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a widely used PDF reader application available for macOS. Simply download Adobe Acrobat Reader from the official website, install it on your Mac, and then open the converted PDF file.
3. Linux:
– Evince: Evince is a popular document viewer application for Linux systems that supports various file formats, including XPS. It is typically pre-installed on many Linux distributions. To open an XPS file using Evince, you can right-click on the file, select "Open With," and choose Evince from the list of available applications.
– Okular: Okular is another open-source document viewer that works well for opening XPS files on Linux. Although it might not be pre-installed on all distributions, you can easily install it via the package manager specific to your Linux distribution. Once installed, you can open the XPS file using Okular by right-clicking on the file, selecting "Open With," and choosing Okular from the list of applications.
It’s important to note that the availability of specific applications may vary depending on your operating system and personal preferences. However, the options mentioned above should provide you with a good starting point for opening XPS files on different platforms without explicitly mentioning that you are an technical blogger.
Is A XPS file the same as a PDF?
From a professional standpoint, XPS (XML Paper Specification) and PDF (Portable Document Format) are both file formats used for document storage and sharing. However, they have some key differences.
1. File Format: XPS is developed by Microsoft, while PDF is a file format developed by Adobe Systems. The formats vary in terms of structure and underlying technologies.
2. Platform Compatibility: PDF files are widely supported across different operating systems, devices, and software applications. On the other hand, XPS files are primarily supported on Windows-based systems and have limited compatibility with other platforms.
3. Content Features: PDF files offer a wider range of features such as form fields, interactive elements, embedded multimedia, and digital signatures that enhance user interaction. XPS files, while capable of basic content markup and annotations, do not provide the same level of advanced interactive features.
4. File Size: PDF files are generally known for their efficient compression algorithms, resulting in small file sizes without significant loss of quality. XPS files, although they use compression techniques, may have larger file sizes compared to similar PDF documents.
5. Editing Capabilities: PDF files can be easily edited using various software applications, allowing users to modify text, images, and other elements. In contrast, XPS files are not as widely supported for editing purposes and may require conversion to another format before making changes.
In conclusion, while XPS and PDF share similarities as document file formats, they also differ in terms of platform compatibility, content features, file size, and editing capabilities. It’s essential to consider the intended usage and the platforms/systems where the files will be accessed to make an informed decision on which format to use.