What is MIME type "application/oxps"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/oxps is the MIME type used for OpenXPS documents. These files follow the Open XML Paper Specification, a format designed for print-ready and fixed-layout documents.

OpenXPS files retain the exact layout and formatting created by the original document author. They preserve fonts, images, and page settings. This ensures that the document appears the same on any device or when printed.

Files using this MIME type typically have markers like XPS or OXPS.

Main use case: Displaying and printing documents exactly as intended.
Other uses: Digital archiving, secure document exchange, and workflow integration in printing environments.

The format is based on XML. It packages content in a way similar to a ZIP file. This structure helps programs read and render the document accurately. For more details, check the Open XML Paper Specification.

Associated file extensions

.xps, .oxps

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/oxps

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/oxps">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/oxps');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.xps, .oxps

FAQs

Do web browsers support application/oxps natively?

Generally, no. Unlike PDFs, most modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) do not have built-in rendering engines for OpenXPS documents. When a user clicks a link serving application/oxps, the browser will typically prompt to download the file rather than displaying it within the tab.

How do I configure Apache or Nginx to serve OXPS files correctly?

To ensure browsers recognize the file type, you must update your MIME configuration. For Apache, add AddType application/oxps .oxps to your .htaccess or config file. For Nginx, add application/oxps oxps; inside the types { ... } block in your mime.types file or server configuration.

What is the difference between .xps and .oxps?

While both use XML to describe documents, .xps uses the older Microsoft XPS format (MIME type application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument), whereas .oxps uses the standardized OpenXPS format (application/oxps) introduced in Windows 8. Older viewers on Windows 7 may not open .oxps files without a converter.

How can users view application/oxps files on macOS or mobile devices?

Since OpenXPS is primarily a Windows-centric format, macOS and mobile operating systems rarely include default viewers. Users on these platforms typically need to use third-party conversion tools to convert the file to PDF or install specific document viewer apps that support the Open XML Paper Specification.

Why use application/oxps instead of application/pdf?

In most web contexts, you should prefer PDF because of its universal browser support. However, application/oxps is useful in specific Windows-based print workflows, internal archiving systems where Microsoft integration is deep, or when high-fidelity printing from Windows applications is the priority.

Is the application/oxps format secure?

OpenXPS files are essentially ZIP archives containing XML data and assets. While they are generally safer than executable formats, they can theoretically contain malicious scripts or leverage vulnerabilities in the parsing software. Always scan downloaded files, even those with the .oxps extension.

What should I do if my computer cannot open an OXPS file?

On Windows 10 and 11, ensure the XPS Viewer feature is installed via 'Optional Features' in settings. If you are on an older version of Windows or a different OS, the easiest solution is often to use an online converter to change the file type from application/oxps to PDF.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.