EPS file

EPS file, or Encapsulated PostScript file, is a graphics file format. It is used to save vector images that can be opened in Adobe Illustrator and other similar software. The file contains information related to the vector image you have created, such as text and graphics, as well as its bit map version, which makes it easy to preview the project.

What is EPS File?

This file format is unique because it supports all the color models that are necessary for printing, can record data in RGB and clipping paths, use fonts and many more. Originally, EPS was developed as a vector file format with a later raster version know as Photoshop EPS. I would like to mention that EPS files can be viewed and edited. Also, you can paste them into documents as images.

So, what is an EPS file exactly? This file format can store 2D elements of vector graphics, as well as raster images or text. You can open an EPS file with different programs and graphic design software that have a set of tools to edit vector images. Quite often, EPS files are used as regular tools to transfer graphic data between different operating systems. Since this file format was developed by Adobe, their software is the best if you want to work with such files because they have the built-in PostScript language.

• Find out about the highest quality image format.

How do you Open an EPS File?

The basic program to create EPS files is Adobe Illustrator, well-known graphic design software for the creation of vector graphics from Adobe Systems. Both Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator can edit these files. If there are reasons why you can’t buy Photoshop or Illustrator, try free apps to work with EPS. In addition, there are a number of services and programs that work with EPS files. Let’s talk about all of these.

Professional Software to Open an EPS File

Adobe Software. Such programs as Adobe PDF Reader, Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat DC are the fastest and the most convenient ways to open an EPS file on Windows or macOS.

CorelDRAW. Corel graphic design software will also easily open EPS. You can import the file you need into the program, view it or use CorelDRAW for editing.

QuarkXPress. This is a professional program for creating layouts of books, magazines, webpages, etc. With its help, you will not only be able to view EPS files, but also edit any of their elements.

• Learn more about different formats by checking out information about PSD file: how to open and convert.

Free Software to Open an EPS File

Inkscape. This is a free vector graphics editor, similar to Illustrator and CorelDRAW. This software supports a lot of standard elements, like selecting, scaling, filling, an airbrush and different standard shapes. Its drawback is the problem with document structure when you decide to export it – you will receive a file with one layer only.

GIMP. GIMP is an amazing graphic design program that definitely deserves its spot on the list of the best free graphic design software. The program works with the EPS file extension without any problems. You can see all the layers and change them in any way you want.

Scribus. This program will open EPS format only when you have the Ghostscript installed. Importing a vector image from an EPS file may take too much time, depending on how complicated the original file is. If the file was created in Illustrator 9+, there might be problems with the import too. It happens because files created with the latest Illustrator versions have a lot of information embedded that is specific to Adobe. The two solutions to the problem are either save the file in the version compatible with Illustrator 7 or use AI format.

• Find out more about free Adobe Illustrator alternative.

Online Services to Open an EPS File

Art Viewer. Art Viewer is the first online service to help you view your EPS file on our list. It is rather simple to use. You go to the website, click “View” and specify the path to the file you want to preview. Then you will need to enter the captcha and click “View Image” button. The service will process the file (it usually takes about 10-20 seconds) and show you the image.

OFOCT. The next service to help you view EPS files is OFOCT. Open the website, click “Upload” to load the file (or paste the URL by clicking “From URL” above) by specifying the path to it. Wait until it uploads the file and then click “View” below. After the service processes the image, you will able to see it on your screen.

Fviewer. Fviewer is one of the most popular online services to open different types of files, including EPS. After you go to its EPS viewer, you need to upload the EPS file you want. You can simply drag and drop the file, or click “Select a Local File” to open it from your PC. There is also a special field where you can paste the URL to your file. After it is uploaded, its contents will show up in the browser automatically.

How do you Convert an EPS File?

If you are not planning to edit EPS files but simply want to convert them into more common formats, you can use a special online service to do this.

Online-Convert. This service won’t let you preview vector EPS images in the browser. Instead, it converts them and downloads them onto the user’s PC instantly. The output file can be JPG, PNG, GIF, BMB, SVG, TIFF, etc. There is also some basic editing you can do, which involves adjusting the quality, color parameters and resolution.

• Get additional information on TIFF file: how to open and convert.

Convertio. This service is similar to Online-Convert but supports more output file formats. Aside from converting to JPG and other raster formats, Convertio can turn an EPS file into e-book format, CAD object, Word document and PDF, Ps font and vector image. The principle is very similar to Online-Converter. You simply upload the file, click “Convert” and get your image. You can also save it to cloud storage, for example, Dropbox.

Zamzar. This converter is as simple as it can be. It will change your EPS into JPG, PNG, PDF and other popular formats.

• Also, you can read about difference between JPEG and PNG.

EPS File: FAQ

• What is the origin of an EPS file format?

The format was created by Adobe based on PostScript. It was the basis for earlier versions of Adobe Illustrator.

• Where can I use an EPS file?

This format is used in professional publishing. It may contain raster images, vector images or their combinations.

• Which color spaces does EPS use?

An image in EPS format can be saved in different color spaces. They are Grayscale, RGB, CMYK, Lab and Multi-channel.

Ann Young

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more