Do you need to convert XPS to DWG? MiniTool PDF Editor can help you. But it is not a one-click conversion. It supports converting XPS to PDF first, and then converting PDF files to CAD files (DWG, DXF, DWT, and DWS files). You can try it.
If you are an engineer or architect, have you ever received a building drawing in .xps format? But you need to modify and edit this drawing, and XPS files cannot be edited directly. What should you do?
Then you may need to convert the XPS file to an editable CAD format (such as DWG or DXF). This guide will show you how to convert XPS to DWG or DXF format using practical tools and methods. Please read on.
Here is a real trouble from a forum user:
I have a few 3D models that are in the XPS format, and I use XNALara XPS to view them. My question is, is it possible to convert them into a DWG format?
Introduction of XPS and CAD (DWG/DXF)
In this section, we will introduce what the XPS format and CAD format (DWG, DXF, DWT, and DWS files) are.
#1. What Is XPS?
XPS (XML Paper Specification) is a document file format introduced by Microsoft in 2006. It is used to save and share documents with fixed layouts.
XPS files are ZIP archives that use the Open Packaging Convention (OPC) and contain files that make up the document. These files include XML markup files for each page, embedded fonts, 2D vector graphics, etc.
XPS files have some unique features: the page content in them cannot be easily changed. It supports vector graphics and font embedding.
In general, the file extension is .xps or .oxps (.oxps is a new version of the format, based on the OpenXPS standard).
#2. What Is CAD?
CAD file format refers to the file type used by Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to save and exchange two-dimensional or three-dimensional design drawings. This file is widely used in industries such as architecture and design, such as blueprints, technical drawings, and three-dimensional renderings.
It is a vector graphic, different from a bitmap. CAD files record elements such as lines, arcs, and surfaces in precise mathematical paths and can be scaled arbitrarily without distortion.
Common formats of CAD files are: DXF, DWG, DXF, DWT, etc. Here is a brief introduction to these file formats:
- DWG: DWG (Computer-Aided Design) is a proprietary file format used by CAD software, and it is based on AutoCAD to save design data. The .dwg file format promoted by the software is a relatively common standard format. It is commonly used in architectural construction drawing design, electrical circuit diagram design, interior design floor plans, etc.
- DXF: DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is an open document format whose structure is based on text (ASCII) or XML. Almost all mainstream CAD software, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc., supports importing and exporting DXF.
- DWT: DWT (Drawing Template) is a drawing template file format used by AutoCAD, such as dimension style templates. These files are used to load some format settings by default when creating new drawings.
- DWS: DWS (Drawing Standards) is a drawing standard file format used by AutoCAD software. It is a design standard used to check and unify CAD drawings. DWS files are essentially extracted from DWG or DWT templates, retaining only layers, line types, and text styles.
Why Convert XPS to DWG/DXF?
XPS is a fixed document format, mainly used for printing and reading. It cannot be edited, modified, or used directly for design work. If you need to modify or edit a drawing, the XPS document format cannot meet your requirements.
In contrast, DWG and DXF are native formats used by CAD software (such as AutoCAD), supporting 2D and 3D formats. You can perform drawing, layer management, annotation, and other functions. This is very convenient for designers to modify and rebuild drawings.
Knowing the above information, you may want to know how to convert XPS to CAD in some cases. The text below will introduce you to the detailed steps of XPS to DXF/DWG conversion.
How to Convert XPS to DWG/DXF
How to convert XPS to CAD (DWG and DXF)? The following post provides a step-by-step guide to help you complete this conversion. Please continue reading.
Part One: Convert XPS to PDF
The process of converting XPS to DXF or DWG is not a one-click conversion. Because XPS is essentially a fixed document format, not a vectorized CAD drawing file. What you need to do is convert XPS to PDF first, and then proceed to the next step.
Below are 2 ways to convert XPS to PDF.
#1. Use XPS Viewer
XPS Viewer is an application for viewing .xps and .oxps files, mainly provided by Microsoft. It allows users to open, browse, and print XPS files, but does not support editing or modifying the file content.
In Windows 7/8/10 (earlier versions), XPS Viewer is usually installed by the system. If you double-click the XPS file but it does not open, XPS Viewer may not be installed on your system. You may need to install XPS Viewer manually.
- Open an XPS file in XPS Viewer.
- Click the Print icon.
- On the Print window, select the Microsoft Print to PDF function and click Print. This will save the file as a PDF.
#2. Use MiniTool PDF Editor
In addition to the above methods, I strongly recommend MiniTool PDF Editor. It is an excellent converter. It not only helps you convert XPS to PDF but also helps you convert images to ICO/JPG/BMP/PNG or from HEIC/PPT/Excel, etc.
MiniTool PDF Editor also functions as a versatile PDF editor, providing a comprehensive set of tools. For example, it allows you to view and edit PDF files, add annotations, apply signatures, translate PDFs, rotate or crop PDFs, rearrange layouts, and convert PDFs to various formats such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, CAD, HTML, EPUB, XPS, and Markdown — and convert those formats back to PDF as well.
MiniTool PDF EditorClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Click the button above to download the MiniTool PDF Editor installer to your computer. Please note that the software is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and XP. After the download is completed, install it on your computer.
Step 1: Launch MiniTool PDF Editor to its main interface.
Step 2: Go to the Convert tab, click More to PDF, and select XPS to PDF.
Step 3: In the new pop-up window, click Add Files to select the XPS file to open. You can also choose multiple XPS files to convert.
Step 4: Next, choose the Output Path if necessary. Once done, click Start to begin converting the XPS files to PDF format.
Part Two: Convert PDF to CAD (DWG/DXF)
After converting XPS to PDF, you need to convert the PDF file to CAD. Here are two methods to do that. One of them is to convert a PDF to DXF or DWG format online.
#1. Use MiniTool PDF Editor
Step 1: Launch MiniTool PDF Editor to its main interface.
Step 2: Click the MiniTool Pro icon in the top left corner and choose Export PDF as. Then click CAD.
Step 3: In the new window, click Add Files to choose the PDF files you wish to convert. Multiple files can be selected for batch conversion to CAD formats.
You can also specify the page range to convert. Then, choose the desired output Format (DWG or DXF), set the output location as needed, and finally click Start to begin the conversion.
#2. Use MiniTool Online PDF Converter
Step 1: Import a PDF file into the online PDF to DWG converter. Then the files will be automatically converted to DWG/DXF.
Step 2: Click the Download button and select a location to save the DWG/DXF file when the conversion is complete.
How to Convert DWG to XPS
Sometimes you may need to convert DWG to XPS. And this conversion cannot be done in one click. So, you need to convert DWG to PDF first, and then convert PDF to XPS.
If you don’t want to download the desktop version of the software, then the following method is for you. It can be done online to convert DWG to PDF.
The online software used below is MiniTool PDF Online. This software not only has a desktop version, but also now has an online conversion function. The online conversion function can also help you convert many formats, such as PDF to PPT/HTML/Excel/Word, etc.
Part One: Convert DWG to PDF
Step 1: Drag and drop the DWG drawing from your device to the specific area of the online DWG to PDF converter.
Step 2: Wait for the conversion process to complete. Then, download it to get the PDF file.
Part Two: Convert PDF to XPS
To convert PDF to XPS, here are 2 ways for you.
#1. Use MiniTool PDF Editor
Step 1: Download and install MiniTool PDF Editor on your PC by clicking the button below.
MiniTool PDF EditorClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2: Launch the software to its main interface.
Step 3: Click Convert and select PDF to More. Then select PDF to XPS.
Step 4: In the new pop-up window, click Add Files to select the PDF files you want to convert, and then click Start.
#2. Use Google Chrome
You can open a PDF file in Google Chrome and use its Print feature to convert PDF to XPS. Here is the guide:
- Right-click a PDF file and choose Open with > Google Chrome.
- Click the Print icon.
- In the new pop-up window, click the drop-down menu behind Destination and choose See more.
- Select Microsoft XPS Document Writer.
- Click the Print button.
Bottom Line
This article introduces you to what XPS and CAD are and why you should convert XPS to DWG/DXF. It also tells you how to convert XPS to DWG/DXF/CAD. If you have any questions or suggestions while using the MiniTool PDF Editor, you can contact us via [email protected] to get a quick reply.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Cecilia is a new member of MiniTool. She works as an English editor on the MiniTool team. She likes to learn articles about computers and is passionate about partition management and Windows operating systems. She is committed to allowing readers to use simple, efficient, and fast methods to solve the computer problems they encounter. To provide more professional solutions, she will continue to learn and master computer knowledge.