What is the Difference Between PDF and XPS?

PDF and XPS are both file formats used for digital documents, but they have some notable differences:

1. Development: PDF (Portable Document Format) was created by Adobe Systems in 1993, while XPS (XML Paper Specification) was developed by Microsoft in 2006.
2. Usage: PDF is widely used for various purposes, including editing, viewing, and compressing documents. XPS, on the other hand, is primarily used for printing and publishing functions on Windows-based devices.
3. Accessibility: Both formats support accessibility options, such as tagging and alt text.
4. Editing Capabilities: PDF files can be edited using Adobe Acrobat, while XPS files can be edited using Microsoft Word, but both formats have limited editing capabilities.
5. File Extension: PDF files use the .pdf extension, while XPS files use the .xps extension.
6. Compression: PDF files are compressed in the LZW format and support text and images, while XPS files use the ZIP format for compression.
7. Compatibility: PDF files can be opened using a web browser or Adobe Reader, while XPS files can only be opened using a web browser. However, an XPS Viewer or compatible browser is required to open an XPS file.

In summary, while PDF and XPS share some similarities, they differ in terms of their development, usage, accessibility, editing capabilities, file extension, and compatibility. PDF is more versatile and widely used, while XPS is primarily utilized for printing and publishing functions on Windows-based devices.

Comparative Table: PDF vs XPS

Here is a table comparing the differences between PDF and XPS file formats:

PDF and XPS are both popular file formats used for sharing electronic documents. While both formats are similar in many respects, they differ in terms of their development, file extension, editing capabilities, accessibility, availability, compression, and file size.