XPS Documents- Alternative to PDF

An XML Paper Specification (XPS) is a document format that you can use to share documents with others. Except few dissimilarities, it is exactly similar to a PDF document. More than a year back, I discussed about PDF file and I've also discussed about how to create PDF file. Today I'd like to talk about XPS. 

Applies to: 

• Windows 7 
• Windows 8
• Windows 8.1

Though XPS is also available with Windows Vista since 2006, still this is not a popular way of sharing documents due to the widely accepted PDF documents. PDF is being used for a long time. Thousands of tools (either Premium, Freeware, Shareware or even Open Source) are available throughout the web for handling PDF documents.

You should notice, PDF viewer is available with any smart phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. It is supported by any operating system. But XPS is not so cheap. It's exclusive for Windows Vista or Above. And that's why it is not a widely accepted medium of sharing documents. 

While most of the people even don't know about XPS document, I really enjoy storing my files in xps format. Believe me- this is safe too! Because a Windows XP user can't open your XPS file normally. You can easily store your information in XPS format and upload these to internet! 

How to Create XPS Document? 

If you can create PDF documents, then creating XPS is nothing serious for you. But if you don't know how to create PDF, then first you should read this. This will help you to be familiar with the necessary steps.  

By the way I'm showing you how to create XPS documents. Follow the steps below:

1. Press Ctrl + P from any program you want to create PDF from.
2. Create Printer > Choose Microsoft XPS Document Writer.
3. Hit on the Print Button.
4. Name the file and choose the destination where it should be printed.
5. Finally hit the Save Button. Your file is ready.

Note: Look at the Save as Type in step 4. You can choose either .xps or .oxps. 

How to View XPS Document? 

To view XPS document, you have XPS Viewer with Windows 7. And in Windows 8 or 8.1, you have XPS Viewer and Windows Reader. Without XPS viewer, you can't open this type of file. 

How to Use XPS Document? 

I never recommend to use XPS document for sharing files with others. Because you know XPS is still unknown or unavailable to most of the people. In case of sharing files, PDF is better. But while sharing an exclusive file, XPS is a better choice for sure. 

You can store your personal information through xps files. You can also upload those files online. This works like printed papers. Like printed files, XPS file doesn't allow you to change the contents easily. So you can protect your contents from alteration or overwriting. 

After reading this article, hopefully you got a better idea about XPS Dcoment, XPS Document Writer and XPS Viewer. Still if you have any query just knock me. I'm ready to reply to your comments . . . :)