The EPS file extension is a common file format for exporting vector files, such as those produced in Illustrator, Freehand or CorelDraw. EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. Files exported as .eps contain a bitmap preview of what’s in the file as well as printing instructions written in the PostScript language.
Bitmaps in eps files
If your original file contains only bitmaps, it’s advisable to export to a bitmap format, such as tif or jpg instead.
Fonts in eps files
When exporting vectors in eps format, it’s advisable to convert any text to paths / curves, especially if you are using fancy or uncommon fonts. This ensures that when the file is imported, your file looks as it did in the original format and prevents the problem of substitute fonts being used because the importer doesn’t have your fonts on their system.
Cross-platform functionality
Like pdf files, eps files can be exported across operating platforms, e.g. from Windows to Mac. The advantage of importing an eps vs a pdf file is that the imported file is editable.
Always check your eps import
When importing an eps file, always check the layout, colours, fonts and objects match up to the bitmap proof. You may need to ‘tweak’ a couple of things which did not export correctly when the eps was generated. However this is not common if the export was done correctly.
[image: flickr, Erathic Eric]