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When it comes to working with XPS (XML Paper Specification) files on a Mac, having a reliable XPS viewer is essential. XPS files contain fixed-layout documents, similar to PDFs, that are used for sharing and printing documents in a format that preserves the original layout and formatting. In this blog post, we will explore the best XPS viewers for Mac and help you choose the right one for your needs.
What Can XPS Viewers Do?
XPS viewers are specialized software that allow you to open, view, and interact with XPS files on your Mac. Here are three key functionalities that XPS viewers offer:
1. Open and View XPS Files: XPS viewers enable you to open and view XPS files on your Mac. They provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to navigate through the document, zoom in and out, and easily read the content.
2. Search and Text Extraction: XPS viewers offer search functionality, allowing you to find specific words or phrases within an XPS document. Additionally, they often provide the ability to extract text from XPS files for further use or editing.
3. Print and Convert to Other Formats: XPS viewers allow you to print XPS documents directly from the software. Moreover, some XPS viewers provide the option to export or convert XPS files to other formats, such as PDF or image files, for easier distribution or sharing.
Best 6 XPS Viewers for Mac in 2023
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a widely recognized PDF viewer that also supports XPS files. It offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for viewing and interacting with XPS documents. With a clean and user-friendly interface, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC allows you to open, search, and navigate through XPS files effortlessly.
Pros:
– Excellent compatibility with Mac OS.
– Provides advanced search capabilities within XPS files.
– Allows annotations and comments on XPS documents.
– Offers additional features for PDF files.
Cons:
– The full functionality requires a subscription.
2. XPS Viewer
XPS Viewer is a dedicated XPS viewer for Mac that offers a simple and straightforward interface. It allows you to open and view XPS files with ease. While it lacks some advanced features, it provides a hassle-free solution for users who primarily need to view XPS documents.
it’s easy to install on your Mac, just drag it to the Application folder.
The Tunesbro XPS Viewer allows users to open, view, and print XPS files. It provides a user-friendly interface that lets you navigate through the pages of the document, zoom in and out, search for text, and perform other basic document viewing tasks. Additionally, you can use the XPS Viewer to print XPS documents to physical printers.
The Tunesbro XPS Viewer allows users to:
- View XPS Documents: Users can open and view XPS files, navigating through the pages of the document just like they would with a PDF viewer.
- Zoom In and Out: Users can zoom in to view detailed content or zoom out to see an overview of the entire page.
- Page Navigation: The viewer usually provides tools for moving between pages, such as Next Page, Previous Page, and page thumbnails.
- Text Selection: Users can select and copy text from the XPS document for pasting into other applications.
- Print Documents: XPS Viewer often includes printing functionality, allowing users to print the XPS document while preserving its layout.
- Annotations (Depending on the Viewer): Some viewers might offer the ability to add annotations, highlights, or comments to the XPS document.
- Rotate Pages: Users might have the option to rotate pages in case the content is displayed sideways or upside down.
Pros:
– Lightweight and fast.
– User-friendly interface.
– Free to use.
– Enables basic zooming and searching within XPS files.
3. Soda PDF
Soda PDF is a versatile PDF viewer that also supports XPS files. It offers a comprehensive set of features, making it a great choice for users who frequently work with both formats. With Soda PDF, you can effortlessly open, view, search, and annotate XPS files, while also benefiting from its extensive PDF functionality.
Pros:
– Supports both XPS and PDF formats.
– Offers advanced search and text extraction capabilities.
– Provides annotation and commenting features.
– Allows conversion between XPS and other formats.
Cons:
– Some advanced features require a subscription.
4. MuPDF
MuPDF is an open-source XPS viewer that provides fast and lightweight performance. It offers basic viewing and navigation functionalities for XPS files without any unnecessary features or bloat. MuPDF is a good choice for users who prefer simplicity and efficiency.
Pros:
– Lightweight and fast.
– Open-source software.
– Easy to install and use.
– Focuses solely on viewing XPS files.
Cons:
– Lacks advanced features compared to other XPS viewers.
– Limited user interface customization options.
5. Perfect PDF Reader
Perfect PDF Reader is a feature-rich PDF viewer that also supports XPS files. It offers a wide range of functionalities for viewing, searching, and annotating XPS documents. The software provides an intuitive user interface and is suitable for users looking for a comprehensive XPS and PDF viewer.
Pros:
– Supports both XPS and PDF formats.
– Advanced search capabilities within XPS files.
– Allows annotations, highlighting, and comments.
– Offers various viewing and navigation options.
Cons:
– Some advanced features are available only in the paid version.
6. Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a popular PDF viewer that also includes support for XPS files. It offers a plethora of features for reading, navigating, and annotating XPS documents. Foxit Reader boasts a customizable interface and provides a seamless experience for both XPS and PDF files.
Pros:
– Supports XPS and PDF formats.
– Advanced search and text extraction capabilities.
– Provides annotation, commenting, and highlighting options.
– Offers a range of viewing and customization features.
Cons:
– Some advanced features are limited to the paid version.
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | Yes | Free, subscription for full functionality | High | High |
| XPS Viewer | N/A | Free | Medium | Medium |
| Soda PDF | Yes | Subscription-based | Medium | High |
| MuPDF | N/A | Free | High | Medium |
| Perfect PDF Reader | Yes | Subscription-based | Medium | Medium |
| Foxit Reader | Yes | Free, subscription for advanced features | High | High |
How to Choose the Best XPS Viewer?
With several XPS viewers available for Mac, it’s crucial to consider certain factors before choosing the best one for your needs. Here are three key points to keep in mind:
1. Compatibility: Ensure that the XPS viewer you choose is compatible with your Mac’s operating system. Some may only work with certain versions, so it’s important to check compatibility requirements before making a decision.
2. Features: Look for key features that are important to you, such as the ability to search within XPS files, extract text, annotate documents, or convert to other file formats. Consider your specific requirements and choose an XPS viewer that offers the necessary features.
3. User Interface: The user interface plays a significant role in the overall user experience. Look for an XPS viewer that provides a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate, search, and interact with XPS files.
Video Tutorial:
Our Thoughts on XPS Viewers
Choosing the right XPS viewer ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you frequently work with XPS files and require advanced features like search, annotation, and conversion capabilities, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Soda PDF would be excellent choices. Both offer comprehensive functionality for working with XPS files, along with extensive capabilities for PDF documents.
However, if you primarily need a lightweight and straightforward solution for viewing XPS files, XPS Viewer or MuPDF would be suitable options. They provide a minimalist interface and focus on the essentials, making them fast and efficient for basic XPS viewing needs.
Perfect PDF Reader and Foxit Reader offer a balance between comprehensive features and ease of use. They are suitable for users who require advanced XPS and PDF functionalities, such as annotations, customization options, and enhanced search capabilities.
5 FAQs about XPS Viewers
Q1: Can XPS viewers convert XPS files to other formats?
A1: Yes, some XPS viewers, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Soda PDF, offer the ability to convert XPS files to formats like PDF or image files.
Q2: Do XPS viewers support text extraction from XPS files?
A2: Yes, many XPS viewers provide text extraction functionality, allowing you to extract text from XPS files for further use or editing.
Q3: Are XPS viewers compatible with older versions of Mac OS?
A3: Compatibility varies depending on the XPS viewer. It’s essential to check the system requirements before choosing an XPS viewer to ensure compatibility with your Mac’s operating system.
Q4: Can XPS viewers provide annotations and comments on XPS files?
A4: Yes, some XPS viewers, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Soda PDF, and Foxit Reader, allow annotations, comments, and highlighting on XPS documents.
Q5: Are XPS viewers limited to viewing XPS files only?
A5: While the primary functionality of XPS viewers is to view XPS files, many viewers also support other file formats like PDF, providing a more versatile solution for document management and viewing.
In Conclusion
Having a reliable XPS viewer is essential for Mac users who frequently work with XPS files. We have explored some of the best XPS viewers available, considering factors such as compatibility, features, and user interface. Whether you need advanced functionality or a lightweight viewer, there is an XPS viewer that will suit your needs. Choose the right XPS viewer based on your requirements and unleash the power of XPS files on your Mac.