How to Convert XPS to PDF on a Chromebook

Chrome OS has no built-in XPS reader and the Files app cannot open or preview .xps documents. For most Chromebook users the simplest fix is the online converter — it runs entirely in the Chrome browser with no extensions or Linux environment needed. If you have Linux (Crostini) enabled, there is also a command-line route using the open-source libgxps-utils package.

Convert in Chrome (recommended for most users)

Open this page in Chrome and use the converter above:

1. Click the upload area and select the .xps file from the Files app. It is usually in Downloads or on a connected USB drive.
2. Leave the output on PDF and click Convert.
3. Download the PDF. Chrome saves it to your Downloads folder.
4. Open the PDF in the Chrome PDF viewer or the Files app — both display it natively.

No Linux environment, no extensions, and no Android app needed.

Convert via Linux (Crostini) using xpstopdf

If you have the Linux development environment enabled on your Chromebook (found under Settings → Advanced → Developers), you can use the libgxps-utils package for an offline, command-line conversion:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install libgxps-utils
xpstopdf input.xps output.pdf

Move the XPS file into the Linux folder (accessible via Files under Linux files) before running the command. The resulting PDF appears in the same folder and can be moved back to Downloads from the Files app.

This route is fully offline and processes the file on your device. It is practical if you convert XPS files regularly or if confidentiality rules out uploading to any online service.

Android apps on Chromebook

Many Chromebooks support Android apps via the Play Store. Most Play Store apps labelled as 'XPS viewer' or 'XPS to PDF' are wrappers around an upload-and-convert service — they do not process the file on-device. If you are going to use an online service anyway, using this converter directly in Chrome is simpler and more transparent about what happens to your file.

Frequently asked questions

Can Chrome OS open XPS files natively?

No. Chrome OS has no built-in XPS reader. You need to convert the file to PDF first.

Do I need to enable Linux to convert XPS on a Chromebook?

No. The online converter runs entirely in the Chrome browser without any Linux environment. Linux with xpstopdf is an optional offline route.

What is Crostini on a Chromebook?

Crostini is Google's name for the Linux development environment available on many Chromebooks. It runs a Debian-based Linux container alongside Chrome OS, giving you access to apt packages including libgxps-utils.

Can I open the converted PDF in the Files app on a Chromebook?

Yes. Chrome OS's Files app opens PDFs natively using the built-in Chrome PDF viewer.

Last updated: June 2026