Do you know which image format is the best for large-scale printing? What do you know about vector images? Except for the common bitmap graphic formats like JPG and PNG, there are vector image formats like SVG and EPS to meet different needs in graphic designing. In this post, we will give you a full introduction to EPS files.

What Is an EPS File

A file with the .eps extension is a kind of vector image. EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. It is a graphic file format created by Adobe in the late 1980s and has gradually become one of the industry standards for professional printers. EPS files are often used in vast and high-quality image printing. For instance, billboard advertising, posters, and event promotions.

An EPS file includes an embedded preview image in raster format, enabling you to view the content even if you do not have a program to open or edit it. Like any other vector image, an EPS can be scaled up without losing resolution. Its backward compatibility makes it suitable for a wide range of printers. EPS files also come with downsides: they don’t support transparency.

How to Open EPS File

Depending on the device you use, the ways to open and view an EPS file may be a little different. Mac users can view EPS files with the system’s in-built Preview app. For others, you should install a third-party application. Most vector and illustration programs, like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDRAW, and Gravit Designer, allow you to open and edit EPS files.

How to Convert EPS to PDF

EPS files need special viewer software to open for viewing. To make sure that your recipients can easily access your graphics and drawings, it’s suggested to convert your EPS files to PDFs before sharing.

If you are a Mac user, you can convert EPS to PDF in the Preview program. Open your EPS file with Preview and then select “File > Export”. Choose “PDF” as the export format, determine the name and location of the converted file, and hit “Save”. Then you will get a PDF version of your EPS images.

Users using other operating systems can resort to an online EPS to PDF converter. Some easy-to-use online converters are Convertio, FreeConvert, and Zamza. You can easily turn EPS into PDF with those web-based applications in just a few clicks. If you need to convert other image formats to PDF or turn PDF into pictures, you can use SwifDoo PDF.

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