XPS to JPG: Top Free Tools and Step-by-Step Guide

How to Convert XPS to JPG: Fast Methods for Windows and MacXPS (XML Paper Specification) is a Microsoft-developed fixed-layout document format similar to PDF. JPG (or JPEG) is a widely supported raster image format used for photos and web images. Converting XPS to JPG is useful when you need images for presentations, websites, or when sharing with users who don’t have an XPS viewer. Below are fast, reliable methods for Windows and Mac, including step-by-step instructions, tools (both built-in and third-party), batch options, and tips to preserve image quality.


Quick overview — which method to choose

  • Need a one-off conversion and use Windows? Try the built-in XPS Viewer + screenshot method or the Print to PDF then export approach.
  • Want higher-quality output or batch conversion? Use dedicated conversion tools (desktop apps) or command-line utilities.
  • Prefer not to install anything? Use a reputable online converter (mind privacy if documents are sensitive).

Methods for Windows

1) Built-in XPS Viewer + Save as image (fast, no extra software)

  1. Open the XPS file in XPS Viewer (included in many Windows versions).
  2. Navigate to the page you want to convert.
  3. Use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch to capture the page, then save as JPG.
  • Pros: No installation, quick for single pages.
  • Cons: Manual, limited resolution unless you zoom in before capture.

2) Print to PDF, then export to JPG (better quality)

  1. Open XPS in XPS Viewer.
  2. Choose Print → select “Microsoft Print to PDF” → save as PDF.
  3. Open the PDF in an image editor (Photos, Photoshop) or a PDF viewer that can export images (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, or free tools like PDF-XChange).
  4. Export or save each page as JPG, selecting desired resolution/quality.
  • Pros: Better resolution control, works for multi-page documents with tools that support batch export.
  • Cons: More steps; requires a PDF tool for exporting.

3) Use a desktop converter (fast, batch-capable)

Options: IrfanView (with plugins), XPS Viewer alternatives like STDU Viewer, or dedicated converters (e.g., XPS to JPG converter apps).
General steps:

  1. Install the chosen app.
  2. Open or import the XPS file.
  3. Choose output format JPG, set quality and resolution, and run conversion.
  • Pros: Batch processing, quality and DPI control.
  • Cons: Requires installing software; pick reputable tools to avoid bundled extras.

4) Command-line tools (advanced, automated)

  • Use ImageMagick (convert) or poppler-utils (pdftoppm) after converting XPS→PDF.
    Example workflow:
  1. Convert XPS to PDF (using print to PDF or a converter).
  2. Use ImageMagick:
    
    magick -density 300 input.pdf -quality 90 output-%03d.jpg 
  • Pros: Scriptable, great for bulk conversions and automation.
  • Cons: Requires familiarity with CLI and installing tools.

Methods for Mac

1) Use Preview (after converting to PDF)

macOS doesn’t natively open XPS. Convert XPS to PDF first (use an online converter or a Windows machine to print to PDF). Then:

  1. Open the PDF in Preview.
  2. File → Export → choose JPEG, set quality and resolution.
  • Pros: Uses built-in app, simple.
  • Cons: Needs intermediate PDF conversion.

2) Use an online converter (fast, no app install)

  1. Upload XPS file to a reputable online converter that supports XPS→JPG.
  2. Download JPG files after conversion.
  • Pros: Quick, cross-platform.
  • Cons: Privacy concerns for sensitive files; limits on file size in free tiers.

3) Use a virtual machine or Wine to run Windows tools

If you frequently need XPS support on Mac, consider running Windows utilities in a VM (Parallels, VirtualBox) or using Wine/Crossover to run Windows XPS tools. Convert inside that environment using Windows methods above.

  • Pros: Full-featured Windows tools.
  • Cons: More setup and resource usage.

Online converters — what to watch for

  • Privacy: don’t upload sensitive or confidential documents unless the service states deletion policies and encryption.
  • File size limits and rate limits on free plans.
  • Output options: some services allow DPI/quality settings and batch uploads.
  • Recommended checklist: HTTPS connection, clear privacy policy, no surprising watermarks.

Tips to preserve image quality

  • Use higher DPI (300 or more) when converting documents intended for print.
  • When using screenshots, zoom in before capturing to increase pixel density.
  • Export from PDF (when possible) rather than capturing the screen—this avoids compression artifacts.
  • Choose JPG quality 85–95; higher gives larger files with diminishing visual improvement.

Batch conversion examples

Windows GUI batch (IrfanView)

  1. Install IrfanView + plugins.
  2. File → Batch Conversion/Rename.
  3. Add XPS files (or PDFs if you converted first), choose JPG and output settings, then Start.

Command-line batch (ImageMagick)

for f in *.pdf; do   magick -density 300 "$f" -quality 90 "${f%.pdf}-%03d.jpg" done 

Troubleshooting common issues

  • Low resolution: increase DPI or use PDF export instead of screenshots.
  • Missing fonts or layout shifts: convert to PDF using the same machine that displays the XPS correctly; embedding fonts prevents reflow.
  • Corrupted file: try opening in another viewer or re-exporting from the original application.

  • Single page, quick: XPS Viewer + Snipping Tool (Windows).
  • High-quality single/multi-page: XPS → PDF → Export to JPG from PDF tool.
  • Many files or automation: ImageMagick or dedicated batch converter.
  • macOS without Windows access: use online converter or a VM.

Converting XPS to JPG is straightforward once you choose the right tool for your needs: quick screenshots for one-offs, desktop converters or command-line tools for batch work, and careful PDF-based exports when image quality matters.

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