.PS File Extension
PostScript File
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| Popularity |
3.6 | 149 Votes |
What is a PS file?
A PS file is an image saved in the PostScript page description language. It can contain text, vector graphics, and raster images, and it is primarily designed to describe the layout of a page for printing. PostScript files are typically processed by a Raster Image Processor (RIP) on PostScript-compatible printers, allowing the printers to print them directly without the need for the user to open them in a conventional application.
More Information
Adobe Systems developed PostScript in the early 1980s to simplify the process of converting text and graphics into printed pages. Designers, journalists, and publishers use the format to maintain precise layouts across different computers and printers. Over time, newer formats like .PDF have become more prevalent, but professional printing workflows and graphic design environments still use PS files.
The primary benefits of PostScript are its ability to accurately preserve page layouts and scale images and text without loss of quality. However, the format is not as widely supported by general software today, making it more difficult for casual users to view or edit PS files. Additionally, PostScript files can be large and complex, which increases processing and loading times.
How to open a PS file
You can open a PS file with various applications, including Adobe Illustrator (multiplatform), Adobe Acrobat (multiplatform), and GSView (multiplatform). To open a PS file with Adobe Acrobat, select .
NOTE: If you are a Mac user, you can also view PS files with Apple Preview, which is bundled with macOS.
How to convert a PS file
Various applications, including Adobe Illustrator, ACD Systems ACDSee, and Apple Preview, can convert PS files to other formats.
For example, Adobe Illustrator can convert PS files to many file types, including the following formats:
- .EPS - Encapsulated PostScript
- .SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
- .PDF - Portable Document Format
- .JPG - JPEG Image
- .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
- .TIF - Tagged Image File Format
- .DWG - AutoCAD Drawing
- .EMF - Enhanced Windows Metafile
- .WMF - Windows Metafile
- .BMP - Bitmap Image
- .AI - Adobe Illustrator Artwork
- .PSD - Adobe Photoshop Document