EPS File Format Explained: Definition, History & Compatible Programs

Today's content creators, who rely heavily on images in their work, have many data storing options for various graphics. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, including file quality, size, scalability, and compatibility with different software and computer systems.

In the case of vector graphics, which allow designers to easily resize images for both small and large-scale visuals without losing quality, there are several common file types, including AI, PDF, SVG, and EPS formats.

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) is often overlooked. Therefore, in this article, you will learn what an EPS file format is, how to work with it, and where to get one at an affordable price. Continue reading to find out more!

What is an EPS file?

Encapsulated PostScript, usually abbreviated as EPS, is a vector file format developed by Adobe in the late 1980s to facilitate the incorporation of images and illustrations into text-based documents intended for printing. It can contain 2D vector graphics, raster images, and text.

Vector files, such as EPS, can be infinitely scaled without losing resolution since they are built using complex mathematical formulas made up of points, lines, and shapes. This is why EPS files are widely used in large-scale print designs, such as posters, banners, and billboards. Today, files in EPS format are considered the industry standard for high-quality and professional printing.

Encapsulated PostScript is a file format that is universally supported by practically all computer systems and software, including Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, FreeHand, and QuarkXPress. However, the biggest disadvantage is that once a file is saved as an EPS, it can no longer be edited. You'll need to return to the original design file to correct errors.

History of the EPS file

Adobe created the Encapsulated PostScript file format in 1987 with the purpose of making it easier to include graphics and illustrations into textual documents intended for printing. The design industry's limited offering of digital files that could serve both designers and printers made EPS files a logical choice for printing images of varying sizes. In addition, this format enabled rendering in a preview before printing, which was not possible before.

Soon, graphic designers started frequently utilizing EPS file format due to its compatibility with the majority of leading design software, printing equipment, and imagesetters. Eventually, Encapsulated PostScript files became an industry standard for professional printers. Images in EPS format were used in marketing for logos, icons, billboards, and advertisement banners, as well as in scientific publishing for graphs and diagrams.

Nowadays, more modern formats, such as PDF and SVG, have surpassed EPS vectors. However, some print professionals may use Encapsulated PostScript files because they offer a backward compatibility feature, allowing them to be utilized with outdated printers.

Pros and cons of EPS files

Whether you're an architect, designer, artist, or printing professional, you may already be using or considering using EPS files in your work. Learn the main advantages and disadvantages of Encapsulated PostScript files to produce large-scale images, illustrations, or layouts in high resolution.

Advantages of EPS files:

• EPS files can contain vectors, images, and text

• Lossless compression preserves picture quality even when the file is reduced in size

• Scalable to any extent, meaning the resolution remains high regardless of how large you want your image to be

• Compatible with most operating systems and vector-editing software

• Suitable for logo creation and large-scale designs, ideal for printing

Disadvantages of EPS files:

• Requires specialist software to open and edit EPS files

• Usually, saved files cannot be modified. To make changes, you must return to the original design file

• Not suitable for a fast-paced work environment

How to open an EPS file

The ease of opening EPS files depends on the computer system you are running on. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

1. If you have an Apple device running the macOS operating system, you can use its built-in reader—Apple Preview—and access EPS files directly. You can also download QuarkXPress, MathType, or Photoshop for the same purposes.

2. To open EPS files on Windows, you must first install vector-based software on your device, such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Reader, or CorelDRAW.

3. Linux users will benefit from Ghostscript, Evince, and OpenOffice Draw.

4. Users running Android operating systems may open EPS files online with Google Drive. It provides an EPS viewer that works in your browser.

How to convert EPS files to other file formats

If you cannot access EPS files, regardless of your computer system and vector graphic editing software, there is another way of viewing needed content. You may convert Encapsulated PostScript to other standard image file formats, such as JPG, PNG, PDF, or TIFF, using programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat. However, this option is only practical if these applications are already installed on your device.

If your device has limited storage space or you don't want to install vector-editing software, you can save time by using online converters. Some of them allow you to control image resolution, quality, and file size. CloudConvert, Convertio, FreeConvert, and Zamzar are a few examples.

How to edit an EPS file

Now, as you've already figured out which program opens EPS vectors, it's time to learn how to edit Encapsulated PostScripts. You can do so with Adobe Illustrator, the best EPS file editor for both Windows and Mac.

1. Open Adobe Illustrator by double-clicking the program icon on your desktop or selecting it from the Start menu.

2. Navigate to File, click Open, and locate an EPS file you want to modify on your device.

3. Examine the editing interface of the selected EPS file.

4. Use the Pen tool, bounding box, and color palette to adjust the image's size, shape, and color.

5. When you are done editing, go to File and click Export.

6. Select the output file's destination, name, and format in a pop-up window.

Where can you buy EPS files at affordable prices?

Stock content platforms, such as depositphotos.com/stock-vectors.html, offer rich collections of stock vector art and graphics in scalable EPS formats at affordable prices. Currently, their collection has almost 55 million high-quality and trendy vector images suitable for online and offline, commercial and personal creative projects. In addition, the Depositphotos platform has advanced AI-powered search filters that allow users to find exact or similar visuals using keywords or the search by image feature.

In the library, stock vectors are royalty-free, meaning they come with a special license that grants non-exclusive lifetime rights to use the purchased picture. Therefore, once you've purchased an image, there is no need to pay additional royalties to the copyright holder every time you use it. You can utilize it multiple times without renewing the license.

Is PDF file format better than EPS?

Since PDF is a more modern and common image file format, more operating systems and editing software support it. Therefore, you can create images and illustrations in EPS formats, but to ensure that everyone who has access to your EPS files can see them, save or convert to PDF format.

Printing professionals may choose Encapsulated PostScript files because they allow the creation of large-format, high-resolution prints and are compatible with older printing machines.

Conclusion

Every graphic designer who creates large-scale designs for commercial projects should be familiar with vector graphics and vector-editing software, as well as have knowledge of relevant image file formats to meet different printing needs. Now, you can enjoy high-resolution prints with EPS files!