OXPS File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
Format Name Open XML Paper Specification (OpenXPS)
File Extension .oxps
MIME Type application/oxps
Developed By Microsoft
Initial Release 2009
Based On XML Paper Specification (XPS)
Primary Use Document format for representing printed material in electronic form
Features Support for digital signatures, rights management
Compression ZIP
Package Structure Open Packaging Conventions (OPC)
File Structure Fixed-layout
Printing Support Designed for high-quality printing
Color Management Color-managed, high-fidelity document format
Content Types Vector-based graphics, raster images, text
Document Elements Pages, resources, fonts, images, gradients, and transparency
Security Supports encryption and access controls
Interactivity Hyperlinks, annotations
Operating System Compatibility Native support in Windows 8 and later; requires third-party software for other systems
Advantages High fidelity to the original printed document, facilitates file sharing
Limitations Not widely supported outside Windows environments
Licensing Proprietary Microsoft license
What's on this Page

What is an OXPS File?

An OXPS file is a document saved in the Open XML Paper Specification format. It is essentially a structured, electronic paper format that preserves document fidelity, intended for representing two-dimensional documents in a device-independent and resolution-independent fixed-layout document format. The OXPS format is a successor to the XPS (XML Paper Specification) format, designed by Microsoft for Windows Vista as a direct competitor to Adobe's PDF. However, with the introduction of Windows 8, Microsoft upgraded and renamed it to OXPS to comply with the Open Packaging Conventions (OPC) standard under ISO/IEC 29500-2.

Difference Between OXPS and XPS

Understanding the difference between OXPS and XPS formats is crucial for users interacting with these types of documents. The core distinctions lie in their compatibility and creation environments.

  • Compatibility: XPS documents are inherently compatible with Windows Vista and later versions, whereas OXPS files are supported starting from Windows 8. Importantly, Windows 7 and earlier versions do not natively support OXPS files without a conversion tool, which creates a challenge in terms of cross-platform document exchange.
  • Software Requirements: For viewing XPS documents, the XPS Viewer is required, which is pre-installed on Windows Vista and later versions of the OS. In contrast, OXPS files necessitate the use of the Windows Reader application available from Windows 8 onwards, or third-party applications that can handle OXPS format.
  • Format Specifications: While both XPS and OXPS formats serve similar purposes in preserving document fidelity and ensuring accurate document reproduction across different platforms, OXPS adheres to a stricter specification standard. This adherence is part of Microsoft's effort to align with the ISO/IEC standards, particularly ISO/IEC 29500-2.

These differences underscore the evolution of document standards within the Microsoft ecosystem and highlight the importance of understanding both formats for effective document management and exchange. Users dealing with these formats must be aware of the compatibility issues and the need for specific software or conversion tools when working across different versions of Windows.

Understanding the OXPS File Format

The Structure of an OXPS File

The Open XML Paper Specification (OXPS) file format is a document structure that encapsulates the layout, appearance, and printing information of a document in a fixed-layout representation. Understanding its structure is key to comprehending how these files maintain document fidelity across different devices and platforms.

Document Components

At its core, an OXPS file consists of a collection of structured XML elements that define everything from the text on the page to the precise placement of images and other media. These elements are contained within a package, similar to a ZIP file, which can include:

  • FixedPage files: Represent individual pages of the document.
  • Resource dictionaries: Detail the fonts, images, and other resources used throughout the document.
  • Document structure and properties: Information about the document itself, including author, title, and page orientation.

This organization ensures that OXPS files can be accurately rendered on any device that supports the format, preserving the creator's intended layout and design.

How OXPS Files are Created

Creation of OXPS files typically involves the conversion of documents from other formats or direct generation from specific software applications. The process ensures that the precise layout and content of the original document is retained in a fixed format.

Conversion from Other Formats

Many modern office and design applications offer the option to export documents as OXPS files. This feature is particularly useful for preserving the fidelity of complex document layouts when sharing between different software or operating systems. The conversion process involves:

  1. Opening the original document in the source application.
  2. Choosing to export or print the document as an OXPS file.
  3. Configuring export options, such as page range and resolution, as necessary.

This method ensures that the resulting OXPS file accurately represents the original content and layout, making it an ideal format for document exchange and archiving.

Generation through Software

Some software applications, particularly those focused on design, publishing, and document management, can generate OXPS files directly. This capability is often built into the software's print or export functions, allowing users to select OXPS as a target format when saving or sharing their work. The direct generation method ensures high fidelity between the on-screen or in-application view of the document and its representation in the OXPS format, providing a reliable means for exact document replication and dissemination.

Editing OXPS Files

Software Options for Editing OXPS Files

Editing OXPS files can be somewhat challenging due to their format, which is primarily intended for viewing or archiving. However, there are software options available that facilitate editing or converting these files to more malleable formats.

  • XPS Viewer: While primarily for viewing, some versions allow for basic editing or annotating.
  • XPS-to-PDF Converter: Software options that convert OXPS files to PDF permit more extensive editing capabilities since PDF editors are widely available and come with a comprehensive set of editing tools.
  • Online Conversion Tools: Websites like Zamzar or CloudConvert offer the ability to convert OXPS files into other formats such as Word or Excel, which can then be edited using the respective programs.

Limitations in Editing OXPS Files

Despite the availability of editing tools and conversion options, editing OXPS files comes with inherent limitations. The format is designed more for preserving document fidelity rather than ease of editing. This aspect significantly influences the editing capabilities and the approaches one must take when needing to make changes to an OXPS document.

  • Editing Directly: Direct editing of OXPS files is notably limited. Most software provides view and print options, with minimal direct editing features.
  • Content Restructuring: Adding or removing pages, altering graphics, or changing the layout can be particularly challenging due to the page description language used in OXPS files.
  • Conversion Quality: While converting OXPS files to more editable formats is a common workaround, the conversion process can sometimes result in loss of formatting or detail, especially with complex documents.

Printing OXPS Files

Printing OXPS Files

Printing from Windows

Printing OXPS files directly from Windows is straightforward due to the native support provided by the operating system. Windows incorporates a built-in XPS Viewer that seamlessly opens OXPS files, ensuring that the printing process is as convenient as possible. Users can simply double-click on an OXPS file to open it in the XPS Viewer and then proceed to print the document using the Print option within the application. It's important to ensure that the printer is correctly set up and connected to the computer. The Windows XPS Viewer offers various printing options, including selecting specific pages to print, choosing the paper size, and setting the print quality. To guarantee a smooth printing experience, always check that the correct printer is selected and that its drivers are up-to-date.

Challenges and Solutions for Printing on Other Platforms

Printing OXPS files on platforms other than Windows can present challenges, primarily because OXPS is a format that is not universally supported across different operating systems. However, there are effective solutions to overcome these obstacles:

  • Conversion to PDF: One of the most reliable methods to print OXPS files on non-Windows platforms is to convert them to PDF format. Several online tools and software options allow for this conversion, maintaining the document's layout and content integrity.
  • Using Compatible Software: Some third-party applications available for macOS and Linux can open and print OXPS files. Finding and installing such software can provide a straightforward solution for printing these documents.
  • Cloud-Based Services: Another alternative is to utilize cloud-based services that can open and convert OXPS files. Once converted, these files can easily be printed from any device or operating system.

Regardless of the chosen solution, it's essential to perform a test print to ensure that the document's formatting has remained intact through the conversion or software compatibility process. This approach can save time and resources, especially in environments where OXPS files are frequently used but the primary operating system is not Windows.

Example Structure of an OXPS File

Package Structure Overview

The OXPS file format, a standardized version of the XPS file format (Open XML Paper Specification), organizes its content in a well-defined package structure. This structure is essentially a compressed file using ZIP compression that contains a collection of files and folders adhering to a specific organization. The composition of an OXPS file is designed to encapsulate the document's layout, appearance, and printing information in a device-independent and resolution-independent manner.

Example Directory and File Layout

In the heart of an OXPS file, you'll encounter a directory structure that is meticulously organized to ensure that all document components are logically arranged and easily accessible. This structure predominantly includes:

  • Documents - Holds the content of the document, divided into pages.
  • Resources - Contains assets used across the document such as fonts, images, and other media.
  • FixedPages - A subdirectory within 'Documents' that stores each page as a separate file
  • PrintTicket - Specifies the document's printing settings.

Below is a schematic representation of an example OXPS file directory and file layout:

Example.oxps/ ├── Documents/ │ ├── 1/ │ │ ├── FixedPage-1.fpage │ │ └── FixedPage-2.fpage │ └── 2/ │ ├── FixedPage-3.fpage │ └── FixedPage-4.fpage ├── Resources/ │ ├── Fonts/ │ │ ├── Arial.ttf │ │ └── TimesNewRoman.ttf │ ├── Images/ │ │ ├── Logo.png │ │ └── Background.jpg │ └── Videos/ │ └── Intro.mp4 └── PrintTicket/ └── document.ptk

This layout underscores the modularity and scalability of the OXPS format, allowing for documents to be comprised of multiple segments (or pages), each potentially leveraging a unique set of resources. Central to its design is the ability for software applications to easily parse and render the document content, irrespective of the device or platform on which it is being viewed.