Hello! We probably work with many types of files on the Windows computer. However, sometimes we come across popular files that we will immediately know which program we can use to open and edit them. On the other hand, there may be times when we receive a file in a format unknown to us. Then we do not know how to open it to view its contents. This may be the case with EPS files. EPS files are an older format but are still used within the design industry. Therefore, if we are in this field, then it is possible that we can get our hands on a file with this format. That is why today we are going to learn what EPS files are. In addition to determining what they are used for, what are the advantages and disadvantages of their use and how to open them in Windows.
What are EPS files
It is a graphic file format created by Adobe in the late 1980s. Therefore, it became one of the first image file options for the design industry. The format was developed to facilitate the incorporation of images and illustrations into predominantly text-based PostScript creations. The EPS file format could also generate a low-resolution preview before printing. This was pioneered. These low-resolution previews make it accessible with programs that cannot edit the internal script.
They are especially used by graphic design programs to save both 2D graphics and vector images. They are also used to produce images, drawings, or designs. Moreover, They can contain text and graphics to describe how the vector image is drawn. However, they also often include a bitmap preview image encapsulated inside. This file is widely used by publishers because it is compatible with different operating systems. In addition, EPS files can also appear with EPSF and EPSI extensions.
What they are currently used for
EPS files have a wide variety of uses when designing and printing graphics. They have certainly been overtaken by more modern formats such as PDF. However, EPS files still function as a legacy format compatible with almost all systems and software. In fact, they are not rare files to find, or at least as rare as their name might suggest.
This format is still used by professionals for large-scale jobs. Its backward compatibility feature of the file format makes it suitable for working with a wide range of printers. Including those that may be outdated by more modern formats such as PDF. Computer-controlled engraving machines may also find EPS data simpler to reproduce in detail. Consequently, they are ideal to work with.
In addition, we recommend that the individual image data are stored in vector files. Consequently, EPS files retain resolution regardless of their scale. This makes them ideal for enlarged images, such as billboards and other large-scale marketing materials.
Advantages and disadvantages of EPS files
As we have already mentioned, the EPS format is ideal for scaling any image. This is because they ensure that the resolution remains high, even when stretched or enlarged to larger proportions. Your data also benefits from having a form of lossless compression. This ensures that the image quality remains high, even if we reduce the file size. In addition, most printers currently used by professionals are capable of comfortably handling EPS files. This makes them a universal choice for larger and bulkier print jobs.
But not everything is perfect in EPS files. In fact, their use also has some disadvantages. Recall that this format consists of mathematical data that determine how the image will look in a thumbnail preview. Therefore, it can be time-consuming to set up the image settings before creating the file. This is a disadvantage for fast-paced, high-speed work environments.
Also note that once the file is saved as EPS, it can no longer be edited. If we discover any errors, we will have to go back to the original file, make the changes and save. In addition, you will need specialized software to open them.
How to open them in Windows
Windows does not have any built-in capabilities or applications that are capable of handling the EPS format. This means that additional software will be required to edit and view any image.
Adobe Photoshop
We are talking about one of the most popular photo editors of the moment, especially aimed at professionals. However, it is increasingly used at home. It is not a free program, but you will have to pay to use it. You can also download its trial version for 7 days.
Once opened, we only have to click on the File tab, located at the top left. This will open a menu where we select the Open option. This will open the Windows Explorer, from where we should search and locate the EPS file. Once selected, double-click on it or click on the Open button so that it appears in the program.
EPS Viewer
This is a free program that we can use to view, rotate, pan and resize our EPS files. It is elementary and easy to use, as all you need to do is open the EPS file, zoom, resize and save it in another format if we wish. We can also use it to convert the EPS file to another image format, such as JPEG or PNG. We can download it from the developer’s website.
Once we run it, a Windows File Explorer window will automatically appear. In it, in the Type section, select Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) and navigate to the folder where the file is located and select it. Finally, click on Open to load it in the program.
IrfanView
If we need a program with which we can perform more actions than viewing and simple rotations, IrfanView is one of the best free options. In fact, it allows you to open a wide variety of image files and perform editing functions on them. We can download IrfanView for free in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
To open and edit EPS files with IrfanView, we will need its plug-in package, as well as a software called Ghostscript. To install the plug-ins, we must access its download page and get the 32-bit or 64-bit version. Double-click on the .exe file and complete the wizard to install the plug-ins. Okay, so we have seen what EPS files are and how to open them. See you later!
