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XML Paper Specification: Overview

Updated: June 30, 2010

The XML Paper Specification (XPS) provides users and developers with a robust, open and trustworthy format for electronic paper. The XML Paper Specification describes electronic paper in a way that can be read by hardware, read by software, and read by people. XPS documents print better, can be shared easier, are more secure and can be archived with confidence.

The XML Paper Specification itself is platform independent, openly published, and available royalty-free and Microsoft has integrated XPS-based technologies into Microsoft Windows Vista operating system and the 2007 Microsoft Office system. Microsoft brings additional document value to its customers, partners, and the computing industry through the XPS-based technologies.

XPS for Hardware Developers
Windows Vista printing brings the next generation of document services to the Windows platform, providing high-fidelity and high-performance printing for Windows users and an extensible platform for partner innovation.

Printer manufacturers can use the extensible print architecture in Windows Vista to deliver the following features in their printers and device drivers that support XPS Documents.

  • Improved Color Printing

  • High-Fidelity Print Output

  • Improved End-User Experience

  • Improved Spooling and Rendering

Scanner device manufacturers can generate XPS Documents at scan time and can apply digital signatures and assign rights during document acquisition.

XPS and Windows 8

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