The XPS file format was created by Microsoft as an alternative to the more famous and used PDF format. By default, they can only be opened using the XPS Viewer program, which is an integral part of the Microsoft. NET Framework, the core component of all Windows systems. XPS Viewer is included in the Windows operating system only from Windows Vista onwards, so if you have a version older than the one indicated, you will need to install the Microsoft. NET Framework on your computer in order to use it. If you are using a Mac, you can convert the XPS file to PDF format using an online conversion service or third-party software.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Windows Vista and Later Versions
Step 1. Select the XPS file you want to open with a double mouse click
The document will automatically be displayed in a new internet browser window.
If the file does not open correctly, the XPS Viewer program may not be running. In this case, continue reading to find out how to reactivate it
Step 2. Go to the "Start" menu and choose the "Control Panel" option
This will bring up the Windows "Control Panel" window.
Step 3. Select the "Programs" category, then choose the "Turn Windows features on or off" link
The "Windows Features" dialog box will appear.
Step 4. Click the "+" icon on the left of the "Microsoft. NET Framework" item
This will display the list of components that are part of the selected program.
If "Microsoft. NET Framework" is not visible in the list, please follow the steps described in the second method of the article to install this Windows component on your computer
Step 5. Select the check button next to the "XPS Viewer" option, then press the "OK" button
You will now be able to view the contents of an XPS file using the XPS Viewer program.
Method 2 of 4: Use a Version of Windows Previous to Windows Vista
Step 1. Log in to the Microsoft Download Center using the following URL
By visiting the indicated web page it will be possible to download the Italian version of the Microsoft. NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1.
Step 2. Hit the "Download" button, then choose the "Run" option
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the program
Once the installation is complete, the XPS Viewer will be ready for use.
Step 4. Select the XPS file you want to open with a double mouse click
The document will automatically be displayed in a new internet browser window.
Method 3 of 4: Use an online XPS to PDF converter
Step 1. Launch your preferred internet browser and search online for a website that offers an XPS to PDF conversion service
Some examples of free services of this type are: Convert Files and Online PDF Converter.
Step 2. At this point, simply follow the instructions on the main page of the chosen site to convert the XPS document to PDF format
Once the conversion is complete, you will be able to download the PDF version of the original XPS file.
Method 4 of 4: Install XPS to PDF Converter Software (Mac OS X)
Step 1. Go to the "Applications" folder and launch the Mac "App Store"
Step 2. Type the keywords "xps to pdf" into the search field visible in the upper right corner of the App Store window
A list of all applications that can convert an XPS file to PDF will be displayed.
Step 3. Choose whether to purchase a paid program or download a free app
The XPS-to-PDF Lite and XPSView Lite conversion software do their job admirably and are both free.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the conversion software of your choice
Step 5. At the end of the installation procedure start the conversion program
Follow the instructions that will be given to you to convert the XPS file to a PDF document. At this point you will be able to view the contents of the original XPS file on your Mac.
