10 Replies Latest reply: Oct 1, 2010 11:28 PM by shunithD RSS

    The future of the EPS file format

    Hoppie Community Member

      The future of the EPS file format

      EPS is rapidly becoming an outdated file format which is being  replaced by PDF just like PostScript itself is also being phased out and  replaced by PDF. Don’t just take my word on this. Here is what Dov  Isaacs from Adobe said in a discussion on a PrintPlanet forum about the  future of PostScript: “ …Adobe will continue to support EPS as a  legacy graphics format for import of non-color managed, opaque graphical  data into Adobe applications (such as InDesign and Illustrator).  Although we certain do not recommend that new graphical content be  stored in EPS format (except to satisfy the need to import data into  page layout programs that aren’t quite PDF-centric — no need to mention  names here!), our user base should feel comfortable that there is no  need to worry about a need to convert their very sizable libraries of  EPS-based graphic assets.”

       

      The above statement is about 4 years old.

       

      Is this still the best way to export Illustrator files for print or should I use ia files.  How widely is EPS still used?

        • 1. Re: The future of the EPS file format
          [scott] CommunityMVP

          EPS is already dead, unless you are worried about compatibility with other, older, software packages or perhaps plotting software.

           

          I save all files as .ai or .pdf and only save an eps when trying to limit the edit-ability of a file. I no longer send native files to press. Everything is now PDF, so all AI files I work on are pretty much kept in studio for use with Indeisgn or Photoshop, or straight to PDF for press.

          • 2. Re: The future of the EPS file format
            Scott Falkner Community Member

            ScottWeichert wrote:

             

            … and only save an eps when trying to limit the edit-ability of a file.

            I don’t see how saving as EPS accomplishes this. All Illustrator EPS files also contain the fully editable Illustrator file.

            • 3. Re: The future of the EPS file format
              [scott] CommunityMVP

              Not if you flatten, expand, and merge.

              • 4. Re: The future of the EPS file format
                Silkrooster Community Member

                Problem is there are still apps on the market that can not import a pdf file and can not import an ai file or eps file greater than version 8. Yeah they are becoming the few but they do exist. As far as that goes the InDesign crowd in the other forum beleive that pdf is a final format only. I could understand if the pdf contained just a jpg image, vector data, there is no reason to think that way.

                • 5. Re: The future of the EPS file format
                  shunithD Community Member

                  Whatever people say, still a lot of programs out there than only the .eps  format can bridge. Sure you can use a PDF or an X to place the file or do x or y... but to have an editable vector based input? Only an eps seems to really bridge the gamut. Please note the word gamut.

                  • 6. Re: The future of the EPS file format
                    robert-c Community Member

                    As designers, we need to consider more than just whether to save in PDF or EPS. First you need to be aware of industry norms for the type of artwork you are making. For example, packaging designs for corrugated boxes, corrugated displays and folding cartons, should be done in Illustrator. That program acommodates large sizes, easily incorporates dielines, and there are 3rd party plugins providing tools needed for those types or products. Also edits are required 9 out of 10 times so a flattened PDF or EPS will not do. Second, you may not know what equipment and software the printer is using which may not be compatible with certain files.

                     

                    Doing preflight for all new files we receive at my company, I have to reject some and ask for different formats. I get a number of PDFs that we can't use, even with our PDF editing program, and some EPS files dont work either.

                     

                    So what I'm saying is don't be adamant on providing only one type of file. Communicate with the printer to find out what is best.

                     

                    But my opinion on PDF versus EPS - because of transparency, I would always choose PDF over EPS.

                     

                    RC

                    • 7. Re: The future of the EPS file format
                      Hoppie Community Member

                      Thank you that is the kind of info I was looking for. If placing art in Indesign would you suggest using Illustrator files or EPS generally speaking.

                       

                      Thank for the Info

                      • 8. Re: The future of the EPS file format
                        shunithD Community Member

                        Hoppie wrote:

                         

                        Thank you that is the kind of info I was looking for. If placing art in Indesign would you suggest using Illustrator files or EPS generally speaking.

                        If you're talking only about Indesign, an .ai or a pdf should be fine. If you're not sure about the final end usage, i suggest an .eps as a backup – and , preferably, an older .eps format.

                         

                        FWIW.

                        • 9. Re: The future of the EPS file format
                          [scott] CommunityMVP

                          For placing art in Indesign, there's never any need to use anything other than .ai. At least here.

                          • 10. Re: The future of the EPS file format
                            shunithD Community Member

                            ScottWeichert wrote:

                             

                            For placing art in Indesign, there's never any need to use anything other than .ai. At least here.

                            That's what i said