If you can’t open an EPS file, you’ll need to download and install compatible image viewing or editing software. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs to choose from.
We’ll go over what an EPS file is, what it’s used for, and how to open, edit, and convert EPS files in this article.
What Is an EPS File?
Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) is the abbreviation for Encapsulated PostScript. EPS files are commonly used to save 2D graphics and vector images by graphical design applications (such as Adobe Illustrator). These images are usually drawings, designs, or layouts. An embedded bitmap preview image is also included in the EPS file type.
EPS files may also appear with the extensions .EPSF and .EPSI.
How to Open an EPS Image File
Vector-based image editors can be used to open EPS files. If you try to open an EPS file with a non-vector application, the image will most likely be rasterized and the vector information will be lost. Fortunately, there are several programs that can open, edit, or convert EPS files without causing damage to them.
EPS Viewer
EPS Viewer is a simple and free program for viewing, rotating, panning, and resizing EPS files. EPS Viewer can also be used to convert an EPS file to another image format, such as JPEG or PNG.
- Download EPS Viewer from their official page.
- Navigate to your downloads folder and double-click epsviewersetup.exe to install the program.
- Finish the installation wizard, then open EPS Viewer.
- Select Open File, then select Encapsulated PostScript in the Files of Type dropdown menu.
- Select the image file and select Open.
Google Drive
Google Drive, among its many other features, can open an EPS file. You can do so for free and right in your browser with Google Drive (without an installation). All you need is a Google account to get started.
- Head to Google Drive and sign in.
- Upload the EPS file to your Drive.
- Double-click the EPS file to open and view it.
IrfanView
IrfanView is one of the best free options if you need to do more than just view and perform simple translations/rotations. IrfanView can open a wide range of image files and perform various image editing functions, so the setup is a little more involved, but it’s worth it.
Go to the IrfanView download page and choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions, depending on your operating system. Then, from your downloads folder, install IrfanView.
You’ll need the plugins pack as well as a piece of software called Ghostscript to open and edit EPS files in IrfanView. Go to the download page for the IrfanView plugins and choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. To install the plugins, double-click the.exe file and follow the wizard’s instructions.
To check if these have been installed correctly, open IrfanView, select Help > Installed Plugins and check for “Postscript.dll”.
Next, head to the Ghostscript download page. To download the Ghostscript AGPL Release, choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. To install it, go to your downloads folder and double-click the.exe file.
IrfanView will now be able to open EPS files. Simply go to File > Open and select the.EPS file you want to work with.
Make sure that in the file type dropdown menu, PostScript Files is selected.
Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop
You’ll need a more advanced program like Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop if you want to edit your EPS files as well. EPS files can be opened, edited, and converted with both of these programs.
Unfortunately, to use these two programs, you must subscribe to them on a monthly or yearly basis. To get access to these programs, go to the Adobe website, create an account (if you don’t already have one), and choose a subscription plan. After you’ve installed Illustrator or Photoshop, you can view and edit EPS files in the following ways:
- Open Illustrator or Photoshop.
- Select File > Open.
- Navigate to and select the .EPS file.
- Select Open.
- The EPS file will now open in the editor.
How to Convert an EPS File
EPS Converter is the simplest way to convert an EPS file. Simply select your target format, resolution, and background transparency before uploading your EPS file where it says Upload a file. Finally, press the Start button. Wait for the file to be converted, then use the provided link to download the result.
If you have downloaded and installed EPS Viewer or Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, you can easily convert EPS files.
Open the EPS file in Illustrator or Photoshop, then choose File > Export. Select the file type you want to convert it to from the file type dropdown menu.
Select the Save icon in EPS Viewer to convert an EPS file. Select the file type you want to convert from the dropdown menu.
Related: How to Screenshot Only One Monitor in a Multi-Monitor Setup
Time to Edit!
If you need to view, edit, or convert EPS files, there are a variety of applications to choose from. If you only need to view or make basic edits, EPS Viewer and IrfanView are your best free options (if you need to do higher-level edits). If you plan to work with EPS files frequently, however, paid programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop may be the best option.
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