What is .eps?
An .eps (Encapsulated PostScript) file is a legacy vector graphics file format used in professional printing and graphic design. It can contain both 2D vector graphics and bitmap images, and is designed to be included in other documents.
This quick guide explains when to use .eps files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .eps files
- You need to send a logo to a professional printer.
- You are working with legacy graphic design files.
- You need a format compatible with older page layout software.
How to open .eps files
EPS files can be opened by vector graphics editors like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Inkscape. They can also be viewed in Adobe Acrobat and macOS Preview.
Algorithm details
EPS is based on the PostScript page description language. It includes a bounding box comment describing the image's dimensions and often a low-resolution preview image for quick display.
Browser & platform support
- Direct: Not supported natively by web browsers.
- Rendering: Must be converted to SVG, PNG, or JPG for web display.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Older standard, widely supported by print workflows but largely superseded by PDF and AI. |
| Scalability | Infinite scalability for vector content. |
| Web Use | Not suitable for the web; SVG is the modern alternative. |
How to create eps files
- Export: Most vector design tools (Illustrator, CorelDRAW) can export to EPS.
- Conversion: Can be converted from PDF or AI.
How to convert eps files
- To PDF: Easy conversion for sharing and printing.
- To SVG: For web usage.
- To PNG/JPG: For rasterized previews.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Standard format for the printing industry for decades
- Scalable vector graphics support
- Cross-platform compatibility in design software
Disadvantages
- No transparency support (usually)
- Large file sizes compared to modern formats
- Superseded by PDF and AI for most workflows
Tools & software
Professional
Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, QuarkXPress
Free/Open Source
Inkscape, Ghostscript
Viewers
Adobe Acrobat, Apple Preview, IrfanView
Frequently asked questions
Is EPS still used?
Yes, mainly in legacy print workflows, but PDF and AI have largely replaced it for new designs.
Can I open an EPS file in Word?
Microsoft removed support for inserting EPS files into Office documents due to security vulnerabilities. You should convert it to a standard image format first.
What is the difference between EPS and AI?
AI is Adobe's native format and supports more features (transparency, layers). EPS is a more generic interchange format but lacks some modern features.
Technical specs
- File type
- Image
- Extension
- .eps
- MIME type
- application/postscript, image/x-eps
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Varies widely. Vector-only EPS files are small, but those containing high-res raster previews or embedded images can be large.
Share .eps files instantly
Upload your .eps file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .eps file