How to Convert XPS to PDF: 3 Easy Methods That Actually Work

If you've ever tried to open an .xps file on a Mac, send it to a colleague who uses Linux, or upload it to a system that only accepts PDF, you've probably run into a wall. XPS files are notoriously hard to work with outside of Windows. The good news: converting XPS to PDF takes less than a minute once you know which method fits your situation.

What is an XPS file, exactly?

XPS stands for XML Paper Specification. Microsoft introduced it as a fixed-layout document format — essentially Microsoft's answer to PDF. It got created automatically whenever someone "printed" a document to the Microsoft XPS Document Writer, a virtual printer built into Windows. OXPS is the slightly updated, standardized version of the same idea, using the Open Packaging Conventions container format underneath.

The format never gained much traction outside the Windows ecosystem. That's the core problem: Macs, iPhones, Android devices, and most web-based systems simply don't know what to do with an .xps file. PDF, on the other hand, opens everywhere without a second thought. That's why converting XPS to PDF is usually the first thing people need to do before they can actually share or archive the document.

Method 1: Convert XPS to PDF online (fastest, works on any device)

If you don't have access to a Windows machine or just want the quickest path, an online converter is the way to go. Here's the general process:

1. Open an XPS to PDF converter in your browser.
2. Upload your .xps or .oxps file by dragging it in or clicking to browse.
3. Wait a few seconds while the file is converted.
4. Download the resulting PDF.

This approach works whether you're on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, or even a tablet, since the conversion process doesn't depend on having XPS Viewer or any specific software installed locally. It's also the only realistic option if you're trying to do this from a phone.

What to look for in an online XPS converter

Not all online converters handle XPS the same way. Before uploading anything sensitive, check for a few things:

• File size limits — many free tools cap uploads around 25–50MB, which is plenty for most documents but worth checking if your file is image-heavy.
• Privacy practices — look for a tool that states clearly whether files are deleted after conversion, and how quickly.
• No forced account creation — a one-off conversion shouldn't require signing up for a service.
• OXPS support — some tools only mention "XPS" but quietly drop support for the newer .oxps extension, so double check both are accepted.

Method 2: Convert using Windows' built-in "Print to PDF" feature

If you're already on a Windows PC, you don't need any third-party software at all — Windows can do this conversion natively using its built-in PDF printer driver.

1. Locate your .xps file and double-click it. Windows will typically open it in the built-in XPS Viewer app.
2. Once it's open, press Ctrl + P to bring up the print dialog.
3. In the printer dropdown, select "Microsoft Print to PDF" instead of a physical printer.
4. Click Print, then choose a folder and filename when prompted to save.
5. Your XPS file is now a standard PDF, saved wherever you chose.

This method is completely free, requires no internet connection, and keeps the file entirely on your machine — useful for anything confidential. The only downside is that it's Windows-only, and the visual fidelity depends on how the original document was structured (multi-layer vector graphics occasionally render slightly differently than the source).

Method 3: What to do if you're on Mac or Linux

This is where most people get stuck. Apple never built native XPS support into macOS, and most Linux distributions don't ship with an XPS viewer either. You have two realistic paths:

Option A: Use an online converter (recommended)

Since there's no built-in XPS support on Mac or Linux, an online XPS to PDF tool is by far the simplest route — there's nothing to install, and it works the same way regardless of your operating system.

Option B: Install LibreOffice

LibreOffice has built-in XPS import support on Mac and Linux. You can open the .xps file directly in LibreOffice, then use File → Export as PDF. This works well but requires installing and learning a full office suite just for one conversion, which is overkill for a single file.

Troubleshooting common XPS to PDF conversion problems

Frequently asked questions

Is converting XPS to PDF free?

Yes. Both the Windows built-in method and most reputable online converters, including the one on this site, are completely free with no hidden costs.

Will I lose formatting when converting XPS to PDF?

In the vast majority of cases, no. XPS and PDF are both fixed-layout formats designed to preserve exact positioning, so text, fonts, and images typically convert cleanly. Minor differences can occasionally appear in documents with heavy use of embedded vector graphics.

Can I convert multiple XPS files to PDF at once?

Most single-file online tools process one document at a time. If you have a batch of files, the Windows Print to PDF method combined with a short script, or a dedicated batch conversion tool, will save time.

Is it safe to upload an XPS file to an online converter?

It's safe as long as you use a reputable tool that processes files securely and deletes them shortly after conversion. If your document contains highly sensitive information, the offline Windows method keeps everything local to your machine.