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Acrobat

Convert XPS to PDF: Your first step to streamlined editing and customisation.

Use an XPS to PDF converter to turn your Microsoft XPS files into editable, shareable PDFs in a few steps for easier access and collaboration.

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Published by Adobe Acrobat India on 20 March 2025
Modified on 9 December 2025

Convert PDF, Document Management

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What is an XPS File?

How to convert XPS files to PDF

When to convert XPS to PDF

How converting XPS to PDF simplifies document management and collaboration

Frequently asked questions

Converting XPS files to PDFs ensures your documents are accessible and easy to share, regardless of platform. While XPS is tied to Microsoft products, PDFs are preferred in India for government, business, and academic tasks. By converting XPS files to PDFs, you unlock smooth sharing, seamless collaboration, and cross-platform accessibility. This guide will walk you through the steps to convert XPS to PDF and explore how Adobe Acrobat can further streamline your workflow with advanced tools like merging, editing, and secure sharing.
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What is an XPS File?

An XPS file, or XML Paper Specification, is Microsoft’s document format designed to preserve the precise layout, fonts, and formatting of a document - similar to how PDFs maintain consistency across devices. Its purpose is to ensure that a file’s appearance remains intact, whether printed or viewed digitally. However, since XPS is native to the Windows ecosystem, sharing or accessing these files outside of Microsoft Office can be challenging. Converting XPS files to PDF solves these issues by offering a universally accepted format that works seamlessly across all platforms and operating systems, making collaboration and sharing easier and more efficient.

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How to convert XPS files to PDF.

  1. Open the XPS file
    • Locate your XPS file on your PC and open it using Microsoft XPS Viewer (built into Windows).
  2. Initiate the print process
    • In XPS Viewer, click File > Print. This opens the print dialog.
  3. Select Adobe PDF as the printer
    • From the list of available printers, choose Adobe PDF. This is a virtual printer installed automatically when you install Adobe Acrobat Studio.
    • The Adobe PDF printer is what enables you to create a high-quality PDF from virtually any document that can be printed, including XPS files.
  4. Adjust PDF settings (optional)
    • Click Preferences or Properties to adjust settings such as page size, image quality, or whether to include bookmarks.
  5. Print to PDF
    • Click Print.
    • You will be prompted to choose a location to save the new PDF and give it a file name.

Key point: Even though Adobe Acrobat cannot open XPS files directly, its PDF printer and editing tools allow you to convert XPS files into fully functional PDFs and then refine them as needed.

Having trouble converting your XPS file to PDF? Learn how to fix here >

How to open an XPS file using Google Drive.

To convert an XPS file to a PDF using Google Drive, follow these simple steps:

  1. Upload the XPS file.
    • Open Google Drive, click on "New" in the left-hand menu, select "File upload," and choose your XPS file from your device.
  2. Open the file.
    • Once the XPS file has been uploaded, locate it in your Google Drive and double-click to open it.
  3. Access the Print dialog.
    • Click on the print icon or select "Print" from the "File" menu. This will open the print options window.
  4. Select 'Save as PDF'.
    • In the list of available printers, choose the "Save as PDF" option.
  5. Save the PDF.
    • Choose a destination folder for the PDF file on your device, then click "Save" to complete the conversion. This process converts your XPS document into a PDF file without the need for additional software, making it quick and convenient!

When to convert XPS to PDF.

XPS files can originate from various Windows-based tools and workflows, including exporting from older Office apps and scanning or imaging software that saves documents in a fixed-layout format.

Learning how to convert XPS to PDF is useful in these situations:

  • Easier sharing and collaboration:
    Your documents can be opened and edited across platforms without compatibility issues.
  • Overcome XPS limitations:
    XPS files require specific Microsoft tools to open, limiting access for users outside Windows.
  • Cross-device compatibility:
    PDFs are supported on almost all devices, making your content instantly accessible.
  • Unlock advanced features:
    Converting XPS to PDF enables commenting, merging, and secure sharing to streamline workflows.

How converting XPS to PDF simplifies document management and collaboration.

While XPS files offer similar formatting benefits to PDFs, they lack the widespread compatibility needed for seamless cross-platform sharing. PDFs are universally recognised and supported on nearly all devices and platforms, making them the go-to format for business and academic use. Adobe Acrobat takes these benefits further with advanced tools for merging, collaboration, and secure sharing, in addition to:

PDFs are often the preferred format.

While XPS files are limited mainly to Microsoft platforms, PDFs are universally supported across devices and operating systems. This makes PDFs the preferred format for sharing, storing, and presenting documents in professional, academic, and business settings.

Ensuring smooth cross-platform sharing.

Convert XPS files to PDFs to eliminate barriers and make your documents accessible to everyone. Whether you’re working with Microsoft or non-Microsoft tools, PDFs ensure your files can be opened, shared, and collaborated on without limitations.

Unlock advanced features with Adobe Acrobat.

When you convert XPS to PDF, you gain access to advanced features that are not available with XPS files. With Adobe Acrobat, you can merge multiple files, collaborate in real time, add digital signatures, and protect your documents, keeping your workflow efficient and organised.

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Frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between XPS and PDF?

XPS (XML Paper Specification) and PDF (Portable Document Format) are both designed to preserve document formatting across different platforms. XPS is a Microsoft-developed format primarily used within the Windows ecosystem, while PDF is an open standard widely adopted across various operating systems and devices. PDFs are more universally accessible, making them the preferred choice for sharing documents.

How can I convert an XPS file to PDF using Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat does not natively support the conversion of XPS files to PDF. However, you can use the "Microsoft Print to PDF" feature available in Windows:

  1. Open the XPS file using the XPS Viewer.
  2. Click on 'File' and select 'Print.'
  3. Choose 'Microsoft Print to PDF' as the printer.
  4. Click 'Print' and select a location to save the new PDF file.
  5. Once converted, you can open and edit the PDF using Adobe Acrobat.

Are there any free tools to convert XPS to PDF?

Yes, Windows users can utilise the built-in "Microsoft Print to PDF" feature to convert XPS files to PDF without additional software. This method allows you to print the XPS file as a PDF, which can then be opened and edited in Adobe Acrobat.

Can I convert multiple XPS files to PDF at once?

Batch conversion of XPS files to PDF is not directly supported in Adobe Acrobat. However, you can individually convert each XPS file to PDF using the "Microsoft Print to PDF" feature and then combine the PDFs into a single document using the Adobe Acrobat online tool 'Merge PDF' which combines PDFs online.

Is it safe to convert XPS files to PDF?

Converting XPS files to PDF using trusted methods, such as the "Microsoft Print to PDF" feature, is safe and maintains the integrity of your documents. Once converted, Adobe Acrobat provides robust security features to protect your PDF files, including password protection and encryption.

Why should I convert XPS files to PDF?

Converting XPS files to PDF enhances document accessibility and compatibility. PDFs are widely supported across various platforms and devices, making them ideal for sharing and collaboration. Additionally, online services like Adobe Acrobat offers advanced features for editing, annotating, and securing PDF documents, streamlining your workflow once the document is converted.

Can I edit an XPS file in Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat does not support editing XPS files directly. To edit an XPS file, first convert it to PDF using the "Microsoft Print to PDF" feature. After conversion, you can open and edit the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, utilising its comprehensive suite of editing tools.

Does converting XPS to PDF affect the quality of the document?

Converting XPS files to PDF using the "Microsoft Print to PDF" feature generally preserves the quality and formatting of the original document. However, it's advisable to review the converted PDF to ensure all elements have been accurately retained. Adobe Acrobat allows you to make any necessary adjustments to maintain the document's quality.

Are there any limitations when converting XPS to PDF?

While the "Microsoft Print to PDF" feature effectively converts XPS files to PDF, some complex elements or interactive features in the original XPS file may not be fully preserved. After conversion, the Adobe Acrobat online services can help you address any discrepancies and enhance the PDF as needed.
What does the “Save as PDF or XPS” option mean in Microsoft Office?
The “Save as PDF or XPS” feature in Microsoft Office allows you to export documents in either format. PDFs are more widely compatible for sharing, while XPS files are designed for use within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Can I convert XPS files to PDF on any device or browser?
Yes, you can convert XPS to PDF on any device or browser. Using cloud services like Google Drive, you can upload your XPS file and save it as a PDF without installing additional software. This method works on Windows, macOS, tablets, and mobile devices, making your documents accessible and shareable across all platforms.
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A complete guide to converting XPS to PDF.
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