An EPS file is an encapsulated postscript file type. These types of graphics files most often contain vector images.
How Are EPS Files Used?
The purpose of an EPS file is to make transferring images from one application to another easy. These files also have cross-platform compatibility, which means they can also move from Mac to PC without losing information or usability. This ability makes EPS a very safe file type.
Where to Find EPS Vector Graphics
You’ll usually find EPS files on stock photography websites. Browsing the stock vectors these sites offer is a great way to find icons or graphics you could use.
EPS Graphics Can Save You Time & Money
Downloading EPS vector graphics from stock photography sites will significantly decrease the amount of time you spend designing. You can also avoid spending money on hiring someone to create graphics for you.
How to Open EPS Files
EPS files will natively open in Adobe Illustrator. But you can import these files into many computer graphics applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
When Should You Save Your Design as an EPS File Type?
There may be some scenarios where you may want to save your design as an EPS file type. For example, if you’re creating an illustration that you want to print in high resolution.
You would also use EPS file types to sell illustrations to clients or stock photography websites. However, chances are you won’t have to export your images as this file type often.
Advantages of EPS File Types
The advantage of EPS files is that they allow for extremely high print quality. They even beat out vector graphics when it comes to printing illustrations in high resolution.
EPS vs. Vector Graphics
An EPS file permits you to resize both curved and straight lines without degrading too much of the image’s quality. In comparison, vector graphic file formats can only resize designs with straight lines without losing quality.
The Downsides of EPS
The biggest drawback of EPS is that it requires Adobe applications to produce a high-quality image.
As Christina Hadley from Techwalla explains, “Although EPS files are supported by most graphic design programs, page layout applications don’t usually support modification of an EPS file’s text, lines or coloration, which is another potential disadvantage of using an EPS file during production work.”
Make Sure Your EPS Is Print-Ready Before You Export
For this reason, it’s essential to have your EPS file print-ready beforehand. Once you import your finished EPS design into an illustration application, editing options will be limited.