Which MIME types are related to file extension ".xps"?
The .xps file extension is associated with 2 MIME types:
application/oxps, application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .xps Files
XPS files are a fixed-layout document format that preserves the original page design. They use the XML Paper Specification and are identified by the MIME types application/oxps and application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument.
They are used for printing, archiving, and reliably sharing documents on different systems.
- Preserved Layout: The format keeps the layout, fonts, and images exactly as created.
- Document Sharing: Ideal for distributing documents that must appear consistent on all devices.
- Printing and Archiving: Often used for digital printing and securing the visual integrity of official documents.
- Software Support: Open using Microsoft XPS Viewer, which is available on many Windows systems, or other specialized applications.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
application/oxps, application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument
FAQs
How do I open an XPS file on Windows 10 or 11?
You can open these files using the Microsoft XPS Viewer. Note that in recent versions of Windows, this is an "Optional Feature" that may not be installed by default. To install it, go to Settings > Apps > Optional features, click "Add a feature," and search for "XPS Viewer."
How can I convert an XPS file to PDF?
The simplest way to convert an XPS file to PDF is to open it in the XPS Viewer and select Print. Choose "Microsoft Print to PDF" as your printer, and the system will save a new PDF copy of your document.
Can I view XPS files on a Mac?
macOS does not have native support for the XPS format. To view these files on a Mac, you typically need to convert them to PDF using an online conversion tool or use a third-party application like NiXPS View.
What is the difference between XPS and OXPS?
XPS is the original Microsoft specification, while OXPS stands for Open XPS, a standardized version introduced in Windows 8. While newer Windows versions handle both, older systems (like Windows 7) may require a specific converter tool to open OXPS files.
Is it possible to edit an XPS file?
Generally, no; XPS files are designed as a fixed-layout format for printing and viewing, similar to a digital printout. To modify the content, you should edit the original source document (e.g., the Word or Excel file) and save it as an XPS again.
What MIME type should be used for XPS files?
For standard XPS documents, the correct MIME type is application/vnd.ms-xpsdocument. If you are dealing with the newer OpenXPS format, the type application/oxps is used. You can verify these settings on mime-type.com.
Why did my computer save a file as .xps instead of printing it?
This happens if the "Microsoft XPS Document Writer" is selected as your default printer. This "virtual printer" saves the document to your hard drive as an XPS file instead of sending it to a physical printer.
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 can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.