How to Open EPS Image Files on Windows

View and edit all your vector files

If you’ve come across an EPS file and can’t open it, you’re going to need to install compatible image viewing or editing software. Luckily, there are plenty of programs that you can choose from.

In this article, we’ll cover what an EPS file is, what it’s used for, and how you can open, edit, and convert EPS files.

What Is an EPS File?

EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. EPS files are most commonly used by graphical design applications (such as Adobe Illustrator) to save 2D graphics and vector images. Typically, these images will be drawings, designs, or layouts. The EPS file type also includes an embedded preview image in a bitmap format.

EPS files may also appear with the extensions .EPSF and .EPSI.

How to Open an EPS Image File

EPS image files can be opened using vector-based image editors. If you attempt to open an EPS file with a non-vector-based application, it will likely rasterize the image and remove the vector information from the file. Luckily, there are several programs you can use to open, edit, or convert EPS files without damaging the file.

EPS Viewer is a simple and free program that you can use to view, rotate, pan, and resize your EPS files. You can also use EPS Viewer to convert the EPS file into another image format including JPEG or PNG.

Among its many other functions, Google Drive can also open an EPS file. Google Drive allows you to do so for free and within your browser (without an installation). All you need is a Google account.

If you need to do more than just view and perform simple translations/rotations, IrfanView isone of the best free options. The set-up is a little more involved, but it’s worth it since IrfanView is able to open a wide range of image files and perform various image editing functions.

Head to the IrfanViewdownload pageand download either the 32-bit or 64-bit version depending on your OS. Then, install IrfanView from your downloads folder.

To open and edit EPS files with IrfanView, you are going to need the plugins pack as well as a piece of software calledGhostscript. To install the IrfanView plugins, head to thedownload pageand download either the 32-bit or 64-bit version. Double-click the .exe file and complete the wizard to install the plugins.

To check if these have been installed correctly, open IrfanView, selectHelp>Installed Pluginsand check for “Postscript.dll”.

Next, head to the Ghostscriptdownload page. Select either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of the Ghostscript AGPL Release to download it. Navigate to your downloads folder and double-click the .exe to install it.

Now, you’ll be able to open EPS files in IrfanView. Simply selectFile>Openand choose the .EPS file you wish to edit.

Make sure that in the file type dropdown menu,PostScript Filesis selected.

If you’re looking to edit your EPS files as well, you’re going to need a more advanced program such asAdobe IllustratororAdobe Photoshop. Both of these programs will open, edit, and convert EPS files.

Unfortunately, these two programs require monthly or yearly subscriptions to use. To access these programs, head to theAdobe website, create an account (if you don’t have one), and select the subscription plan that you want. Once you’ve installed either Illustrator or Photoshop, you are able to view and edit EPS files as follows:

How to Convert an EPS File

The easiest way to convert an EPS file is to useEPS Converter. Simply upload your EPS file where it saysUpload a fileand select your target format, resolution, and background transparency. Finally, selectStart. Wait for the file to be converted then download the result using the link provided.

EPS files can also be easily converted using either EPS Viewer or Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop if you have downloaded and installed those programs.

To convert via Illustrator or Photoshop, open the EPS file then selectFile>Export. In the file type dropdown menu, select the type of file you wish to convert it to.

To convert an EPS file via EPS Viewer, select theSaveicon. In the dropdown menu, select the file type you wish to convert to.

Time to Edit!

Luckily, there are plenty of applications to choose from if you need to view, edit, or convert EPS files. Your best free options include EPS Viewer (if you just need to view or perform basic edits) and IrfanView (if you need to do higher-level edits). But, paid programs like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop may be your best choice if you are going to be doing lots of work with EPS files.

Which solution for opening EPS image files do you use? Let us know in the comments below.

Jake Harfield is an Australian freelance writer whose passion is finding out how different technologies work. He has written for several online publications, focusing on explaining what he has learned to help others with their tech problems. He’s an avid hiker and birder, and in his spare time you’ll find him in the Aussie bush listening to the birdsong.Read Jake’s Full Bio

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