.EPS File Extension

Encapsulated PostScript File

Developer	Adobe Systems
Popularity	3.7 \| 384 Votes

What is an EPS file?

An EPS file is a vector graphic saved in the Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) format. It contains PostScript-formatted image data, which is ideal for scaling high-resolution images, and may include bitmap image data and text. EPS files also store a low-resolution embedded bitmap image for previewing the graphic.

More Information

Screenshot of a .eps file in Adobe Illustrator 2022 — EPS file open in Adobe Illustrator 2022

Adobe developed the EPS format in the late-1980s to become a standard for exchanging images across different platforms and devices. While various applications and users adopted the format, other image formats, such as .JPEG and .PNG, overshadowed it.

Although EPS never became as widely used as Adobe intended, graphics professionals commonly save their artwork, such as icons and drawings, in the format. In addition, graphic designers often utilize EPS for large print jobs, such as posters, banners, and billboard advertisements, because of its scalability.

Most graphic designers use professional vector image editors, such as Adobe Illustrator or Serif Affinity Designer, to save artwork as EPS files. For example, to create an EPS file with Illustrator, select File → Save As... and choose the EPS format from the format dropdown menu.

How to open an EPS file

You can open an EPS file with various image editors, including Adobe Illustrator, QuarkXpress, and Serif Affinity Designer.

While Windows does not natively support the EPS format, Macs have built-in support for EPS. You can preview thumbnails of EPS images with the Finder utility and view EPS images at full size with Apple Preview.

How to convert an EPS file

Various applications, including Adobe Illustrator, Corel PaintShop Pro, Corel PaintShop Pro, and Apple Preview, can convert EPS files to other formats.

For example, Adobe Illustrator can convert EPS files to the following formats: