EPS file – what is it and which programs can open it?

Depending on your file needs, an Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) file, might be a format for you to look for rather than a JPEG file. EPS files, if opened in a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, will have the ability to be resized without loss of quality, and will also be able to be easily edited and manipulated. If you open an EPS file in a program such as Photoshop, the file will be  ”rasterized” (flattened) and uneditable, similar to any .jpg file.

While most applications can generate EPS files, the only editable benefit you will receive is if the file was originally created as a vector image. Therefore, if an EPS is created in Adobe Photoshop and opened in Adobe Illustrator, that won’t make the image editable. It will remain flat.

Layout applications, such as PageMaker, Quark or Word, will only be able to place an EPS file, not open it. EPS is a format that is available to both a Mac and a PC user. If you have trouble opening, you may have to select a program for the image to open in. You will also want to note the color space the file is in. While scanners and digital cameras generate RGB files (red-blue-green), you will need to convert the color space to CMYK (cyan-magenta-yellow-black) for print. You could also use Pantone colors.

When should I consider an EPS file rather than a JPEG?

Some stock image agencies, like iStockphoto,  offer illustrations, as well as photos. When you seek an illustration, unless you are in love with it as-is, you will want to be sure you are receiving an EPS download. Having the EPS file will allow you to change colors, move things around and customize it to be what you want. For example, if you found a pattern you want to use, but you really don’t like the colors, you can swap out the colors to be exactly what you want. Additionally, you might purchase the rights to an illustration if you like an element within the file. If it is editable, you can pluck out what you want to use quickly and easily.

Where can i buy EPS Files?

Shutterstock and iStockphoto and also Fotolia offer a create variety of EPS vector files. We do recommend to buy them from Shutterstock, as they are very cheap if you signup for one of their subscriptions.

Search here for EPS Vector Files