How to Open EPS Files
What is an EPS file and how to open EPS Files?
An EPS or encapsulated postscript file is a vector graphics format file (like SVG), mainly used for distribution and sharing of vector graphics. It may also have images in raster format and text in raster or vector format besides other vector shapes. Open EPS files are fairly easy and we will show you how to open these EPS file format in some free software as well.
You can open EPS Files with our free EPS Converter here and also convert it to popular formats like JPG, PNG, TIFF, and even PDF.
What makes EPS files popular are the editing features that come with all vector graphic formats? How can you open EPS Files? How can I open EPS File in Photoshop?
The most obvious and easy answer is open your EPS file in Adobe Illustrator. It's the best and most versatile software to edit and open these kind of files plus it's super affordable for just $19,99 per month. Or why not take a look at our Adobe Illustrator Alternatives article and check out some free vector editing software!
Advantages of vector graphics over raster or bitmap format:
- A raster image or bitmap is resolution dependent and when scaled, performs poorly, making the image appear blurred and pixelated.
- Unlike raster or bitmaps, vector graphics are resolution independent and can be scaled (refer to image 1 below) without losing clarity and picture quality. This is the one reason why vectors are preferred over raster to share company logos and emblems or in fact, anything that needs to be scaled or edited later.
Comparison between Rastered and Vector Image
Vector graphics can be edited and manipulated to an extent where colors, shapes and position of shapes within the graphics can be changed with ease, using vector creation and editing applications such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW X5 or GSview, a free application. You can also create vector graphics from scratch, using these applications.
Learn how to open EPS files
An EPS file can be opened in a wide range of software:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- CorelDRAW versionX5
- GSview (a graphic interface for Ghostscript) a free application
- Any from our Illustrator Alternatives list
Remember: If you just need to view the EPS files, use Adobe Acrobat or GSview for free. You may use the listed applications to view and edit EPS files.Open your EPS files in Adobe Illustrator
One way to open EPS file in Illustrator
- Go to the File menu
- Click on Open
- Browse to the location where the file is stored
- Select EPS file
- Click Open
There is another simpler way to do this; Right click on the EPS file and choose ‘Open with Adobe Illustrator’. Voila!
After you have opened your EPS file, you may now view your EPS file or edit and scale the image as required.
Open your EPS files in Adobe Photoshop
To open the files in Photoshop
- Go the File menu
- Click on Open
- Browse to the location where the file is stored
- Select File
- Click Open
- A window pops up asking whether you want to ‘Rasterize EPS Format’
- Click OK to open or Cancel if you choose not to.
Note: EPS files open as rasterized images in Photoshop and NOT in vector form. So now, the file is resolution dependent, which has its drawbacks as mentioned earlier. You may save it as an EPS file, but the file would now have raster graphics and not vector ones.
Open your EPS files in Adobe Acrobat Reader
To open EPS in Acrobat Reader
- Go the File menu
- Go to Create PDF
- Click on the option: From File
- Browse to the location where the file is stored
- Select File
- Click Open
You may also choose the Create PDF Online option if you see it in the File menu.
Note: The EPS is converted to PDF before opening, which I am sure you have learnt in the process.
Open your EPS files in CorelDRAW X5
To open EPS in CorelDRAW X5
- Go the File menu
- Click on Import
- Browse to the location where the file is stored
- Select File and Click Import
Note: You may not be able to import some EPS files in versions older than X5. The earlier versions of CorelDraw could import files saved in Postscript level 1 and 2 but not Postscript level 3.
Open your EPS files in GSview
To open EPS in GSview
- Go the File menu
- Click on open
- Browse to the location where the file is stored
- Select file
- Click open
You may also convert the file to PDF and import it in Inkscape, a free vector creation and editing application.
So that’s that. We hope you now know how to open EPS files or how to import EPS files in your preferred application. If you feel I have missed out something, please feel free to comment about it.
I’m a bit confused. If I purchase an eps file, it comes in a 72 dpi. I thought I could enlarge it (using photoshop) to any size without loosing the crisp resolution? Can I change the resolution to 300 if I’m adding another jpg image to the file? (I scan in my calligraphy at 300 dpi) and want to place it on the eps background – the vector background.
What do you suggest? I guess I’m still just a dinosaur doing hand calligraphy! LOL!
Hello Lianda,
I recommend that you open your scanned calligraphy in Photoshop at 300dpi and then just “move” the purchased EPS file into. Most Photoshop versions will convert the EPS into a SMART OBJECT which is scalable and will keep the “Crispiness” when you resize it. Alternatively you could read our instruction here: How To Open And Use Vectors In Photoshop
I had to chang back corel draw to version x5. but i cant open my last file that i did by this version.what can i do?
Hi VectorGuru,
I have this eps file which contain multiple images.
Can I seek your expert advice on:
1. What software can I use to extract the images besides using Adobe Illustrator?
2. If using Illustrator, how can I extract all of them at once as transparent PNGs?