XPS files describe a document's layout, appearance, and printing information. They are saved in Microsoft's proprietary XPS format similar to PDF files. XPS stands for "XML Paper Specification" as it ...
XPS files describe a document’s layout, appearance, and printing information. They are saved in Microsoft’s proprietary XPS format similar to PDF files. XPS stands for “XML Paper Specification” as it contains page layout information in XML. The format describes structure and content including layout and appearance, making it suited for printing.
XPS was designed to replace the Enhanced Metafile format. It is similar to PDF but based on XML instead of PostScript. XPS files can be opened using Windows’ built-in viewer or third-party programs. Permission can be set using the XPS Viewer which can also digitally sign XPS files.
The purpose behind XPS was to eliminate paper use in an attempt by Microsoft to go green. XPS files may have the extensions .xps or .oxps (OpenXPS). XPS Viewer is a free application for viewing and using XPS files and documents. It used to come preinstalled in Windows 10 until version 1803. As it was not in demand, it became an optional application users can manually install when required.
Microsoft XPS Viewer
XPS Annotator