EPS files are a long-standing favorite among graphic designers and print professionals—but there’s often confusion about whether an EPS file is truly a vector format.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll explore the core question: Is EPS a vector file? You’ll learn what makes a file vector-based, how EPS files are structured, and why they still matter in today’s design workflows.
Table of Contents
What Is an EPS File?
EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript, a graphic file format developed by Adobe in 1987. It was created to allow seamless sharing of high-quality visual content—especially between different design programs and printers.
EPS files are primarily used for print-ready artwork, especially in environments where compatibility and scalability are essential. While newer formats like SVG and PDF have become more common for digital use, EPS is still widely supported in the print and publishing industries.
What does an EPS file contain?
- PostScript code, which helps maintain image consistency across devices
- Vector graphics (shapes, lines, text)
- Raster elements (embedded images or textures)
What are the key Features of EPS Files?
- Can be opened in major design tools like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Affinity Designer
- Supports both vector and raster content
- Maintains scalability and sharpness at any size
- Often used for logo files, branding assets, and print templates
In short, EPS is a hybrid format—commonly used as a vector file, but capable of containing raster data depending on how it’s created or exported.
Is EPS a Vector File?
Yes, EPS is primarily a vector file format, but it can contain raster data as well. That’s what often causes confusion.
When created in software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Affinity Designer, an EPS file typically stores vector elements such as scalable shapes, paths, and text. These files can be resized without any loss of quality—making them perfect for logos, packaging, and high-resolution print designs.
However, EPS can also include:
- Embedded raster images (like JPGs or bitmaps)
- Blends of both raster and vector elements
This means an EPS file can behave like a vector or a hybrid, depending on how it’s exported. If you want your EPS file to remain purely vector-based, always create and export it using vector illustration tools and avoid embedding pixel-based images.
What Are EPS Files Used For?
EPS files are widely used across industries that demand scalable, high-resolution graphics. Although newer formats like SVG and PDF have gained popularity in digital workflows, EPS remains an essential standard in print design, branding, and professional publishing.
Common Use Cases for EPS Files:
Exporting brand assets for cross-platform use without loss of quality
High-resolution logo design and delivery for print or branding kits
Professional printing of business cards, flyers, brochures, and posters
Billboard and signage design, where scalable vectors are essential
Technical drawings, CAD layouts, and architectural diagrams
Infographics and editorial illustrations for magazines or newspapers
Sharing artwork in legacy design systems or older print workflows
What Are The Advantages of the EPS Format?
The advantages of an EPS file format are:
Scalability without quality loss – EPS files can be resized to any dimension without pixelation, making them ideal for logos and print materials.
Cross-platform compatibility – Supported by nearly all major vector design software, including Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Affinity Designer.
Print-ready output – EPS files retain color accuracy and resolution integrity, making them well-suited for professional printing and publishing.
Editable vector content – Designers can manipulate shapes, text, and paths with full control as long as the EPS is not flattened or rasterized.
Legacy support – EPS remains compatible with older systems and design workflows, especially in print production environments.
Supports both vector and text – Allows for clean typography integration along with scalable graphic elements.
What Are The Disadvantages of the EPS Format?
The cons of an EPS file format are:
No support for transparency – EPS does not handle transparent backgrounds, which can be limiting for layered or web-based designs.
Larger file sizes – EPS files often contain more data than formats like SVG, especially when storing complex vector paths or embedded images.
Limited editing after export – Once saved, EPS files may be difficult to edit without access to the original design file, particularly if content is flattened.
Not ideal for fast-paced workflows – EPS files can be slower to process or preview, especially with detailed graphics.
Requires specialized software – To open and edit EPS files properly, you need professional design programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
Outdated for digital use – Modern alternatives like SVG offer better web compatibility, interactivity, and file size efficiency.
How to Create an EPS File?
Creating an EPS file is simple when using professional vector design software like Adobe Illustrator. This format is commonly used to export print-ready graphics, logos, and scalable illustrations.
Using Adobe Illustrator:
Launch Adobe Illustrator and create your artwork.
Once finished, go to File > Save As.
In the “Save as type” or “Format” dropdown, select EPS (*.EPS).
Choose your desired location, name your file, and click Save.
In the EPS options dialog, choose settings such as Preview Format, Transparency, and whether to include embedded fonts.
Click OK to export.
Using an Online Converter:
If you don’t use professional software, online converters offer a quick alternative:
- Go to a converter site like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or PDF Flex.
- Upload your JPG, PNG, PDF, or SVG file.
- Choose EPS as the output format.
- Convert and download the final EPS file.
While online tools are convenient, they may not offer the same quality control or vector fidelity as dedicated design software.
How to Open an EPS File?
EPS files can be opened in a variety of programs, but the editing capabilities depend on the type of software you use. To fully access and manipulate vector data, a vector-based design program is recommended.
Open with Vector-Based Software:
To preserve full editability of vector paths, use:
- Adobe Illustrator – The industry standard for EPS editing
- CorelDRAW – A powerful alternative for graphic design and print layouts
- Affinity Designer – A modern, affordable option for vector editing
- Inkscape – A free, open-source editor that supports EPS with extensions
Open with File Viewers:
For viewing purposes only (not editing), you can use:
- Adobe Acrobat or Reader – To preview EPS content in document form
- EPS Viewer (Windows) – Lightweight tool for quick previews
- Preview (macOS) – Built-in viewer for Mac users
Note: Opening an EPS file in raster-based software like Photoshop or GIMP will convert the file into a flat image. This removes all vector data and prevents scaling without loss of quality.
How to Convert an EPS File?
Converting an EPS file to another format is often necessary when you need compatibility with web platforms, office applications, or different design workflows. EPS files can be converted into vector formats like SVG or PDF, or raster formats like JPG, PNG, or TIFF, depending on your needs.
Method 1: Using Adobe Illustrator
- Open your EPS file in Illustrator.
- Go to File > Export > Export As.
- Choose your desired format (e.g., SVG, PDF, PNG, or JPG).
- Adjust export settings for resolution, transparency, or vector preservation.
- Click OK to save your converted file.
Method 2: Using an Online Converter
- Visit a trusted online tool such as Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Convertio.
- Upload your EPS file.
- Select your output format (SVG, PNG, PDF, etc.).
- Start the conversion and download the result.
When to Convert:
- Convert to SVG for web use and scalability.
- Convert to PDF for sharing or multi-page layouts.
- Convert to JPG/PNG for social media, emails, or document embedding.
Tip: Always keep a copy of your original EPS file to ensure you can return to the fully editable vector version if needed.
Is a Photoshop EPS File Still a Vector?
Not always. While EPS is a vector-capable format, an EPS file created in Adobe Photoshop usually contains raster data, not vector paths.
Photoshop is a raster-based program, so even when you save an image as EPS, the content often includes pixels rather than true mathematical shapes. However, some elements — like text or shape layers — may retain vector qualities if they remain unflattened during export.
So while Photoshop can save to the EPS format, the result may not behave like a fully vector file unless it was built and exported with vector integrity in mind.
Is EPS Still Relevant or Outdated in 2025?
EPS has been around since the late 1980s, and while newer formats like SVG and PDF have taken over in many digital workflows, EPS is far from obsolete — especially in the world of print.
When EPS Is Still Useful?
- Print design: EPS remains a trusted format for logos, business cards, packaging, and high-resolution signage.
- Legacy systems: Many older printers, RIP software, and design tools still rely on EPS compatibility.
- Cross-platform workflows: EPS is a solid choice when transferring files between different design environments or software.
When EPS May Be Outdated?
- Web and app design: Formats like SVG are better optimized for web use, supporting smaller file sizes, transparency, and interactivity.
- Modern collaborative workflows: EPS lacks features like version history, layers, and web previewing, which are common in modern tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
Conclusion: EPS is still widely supported and reliable in print workflows, but for modern digital and responsive design, more flexible formats like SVG or PDF are preferred.
EPS File Format FAQ’s
How do I know if an EPS file is a vector?
The best way to check is to open the EPS file in a vector editor like Adobe Illustrator. If you can select and edit individual shapes or paths — and if the image remains crisp at any zoom level — it’s a true vector file. If the artwork becomes pixelated or can’t be edited as paths, it likely contains raster data.
What’s the difference between EPS and SVG?
EPS is designed for high-resolution print and works well across legacy systems. SVG is optimized for the web, offering smaller file sizes, transparency support, and the ability to animate or style graphics using code. For digital or interactive design, SVG is generally the better choice.
Is EPS still supported by modern software?
es, EPS is still supported by major design tools like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Affinity Designer, and Inkscape. However, some newer platforms may limit support due to security risks associated with embedded scripts in EPS files.
Can I convert an EPS to SVG or PNG?
Absolutely. You can use Adobe Illustrator to export to SVG, PNG, or other formats. Alternatively, online tools like Zamzar or CloudConvert allow quick conversions without requiring software installation.
Is EPS compatible with Cricut or Silhouette machines?
Cricut Design Space does not support EPS files, but Silhouette Studio (Designer Edition or higher) does. If you’re using EPS for cutting or crafting, consider converting it to SVG, which is widely supported by most cutting machine software.