How to Create an EPS File

EPS files are almost always created by exporting from a vector graphics editor. Here's how to create an EPS file from the most common tools — and what settings to choose to avoid common problems like missing fonts or broken transparency.

Before you start: do you actually need EPS?

EPS is the right choice when a printer, sign-maker, or embroidery machine specifically requests it, or when you are delivering a logo in a legacy format. For most other purposes, consider:

• PDF for print delivery to modern printers — better transparency support.
• SVG for web use — browsers can display SVG natively.
• PNG for sharing artwork in documents, emails and presentations.

If you've confirmed EPS is what you need, read on.

Create an EPS file in Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator is the most common tool for creating EPS files and has the most reliable EPS export.

1. Create your artwork in Illustrator as you normally would.
2. Before exporting, outline all text: select all text → Type → Create Outlines. This converts text to vector shapes so the recipient doesn't need the same fonts installed.
3. Go to File → Save As (not Export).
4. Choose Illustrator EPS (.eps) from the format dropdown.
5. Click Save. The EPS Options dialog appears.
6. Key settings to choose:
   • Version: choose EPS 8 or EPS 10 for broadest compatibility. Older versions (EPS 3) may be needed for very old equipment.
   • Preview: choose TIFF (8-bit Color) — this embeds a preview thumbnail so the file can be displayed in layout applications like InDesign.
   • Fonts: select "Embed Fonts" if you didn't outline the text. Outlining is more reliable.
   • Transparency: if your artwork has transparency, you must choose how to flatten it. Select "Preserve Appearance" for the best visual result.
7. Click OK. Your EPS file is saved.

Create an EPS file in Inkscape (free)

Inkscape can export EPS files via the built-in save function.

1. Create or open your artwork in Inkscape.
2. Outline any text: select the text → Path → Object to Path.
3. Go to File → Save As.
4. In the file type dropdown, choose Encapsulated PostScript (*.eps).
5. Click Save. An options dialog may appear — the defaults are usually fine for most uses.

Note: Inkscape's EPS export is good but not perfect. Very complex artwork with many gradients may not export identically to Illustrator. For critical print work, Illustrator remains the most reliable tool.

Create an EPS file in CorelDRAW

1. Create your artwork in CorelDRAW.
2. Convert text to curves: select text → Arrange → Convert to Curves (or press Ctrl+Q).
3. Go to File → Export.
4. Choose EPS - Encapsulated PostScript from the file type list.
5. Click Export and configure the EPS settings in the dialog that appears.

Create an EPS file in Affinity Designer

1. Create your artwork in Affinity Designer.
2. Convert any text to curves: select text → Layer → Convert to Curves.
3. Go to File → Export.
4. Select the EPS tab.
5. Choose your settings and click Export.

Critical settings to get right

Common mistakes when creating EPS files

• Not outlining fonts: this is the most common cause of EPS files looking wrong on another machine. Always outline or embed your fonts before saving.
• Using RGB colour for a print file: if the EPS is going to a printer, make sure your colour mode is CMYK. RGB colours look bright on screen but can shift unpredictably when converted to print inks.
• Saving with "Use Artboards" unchecked in Illustrator: if your artwork is positioned correctly on an artboard, make sure the EPS is saved to match those bounds, otherwise it may export with unexpected white space.
• Assuming transparency will carry over: EPS does not support transparency. Shadows and semi-transparent overlays will be flattened — test how the file looks after export before sending it to a printer.
• Embedding high-resolution photos: if your EPS has embedded photos, the file size can become very large. For print work, consider placing photos as linked files instead of embedding them.

How to check your EPS file after creating it

• Open the saved EPS in the online EPS Viewer to confirm it renders correctly without your design software.
• Check that all text has been converted to outlines (if you intended to outline it).
• Zoom in to check that edges are sharp and crisp — blurry edges suggest raster content.
• Send the file to a colleague or client and ask them to open it — this confirms it opens correctly without your fonts or software installed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I create an EPS file in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint?

No. Word and PowerPoint are not vector graphics editors and do not export EPS. You need a dedicated vector tool like Inkscape (free) or Illustrator.

Should I use "Save As" or "Export" in Illustrator?

Use File → Save As → EPS for the best results. The Export function in Illustrator is intended for raster formats like PNG and JPG.

What EPS version should I use?

EPS version 8 or 10 is suitable for almost all modern uses. If a print shop or machine requires a specific version, they will tell you — otherwise, EPS 8 is a safe default.

How do I know if my EPS file will print correctly?

Open it in Inkscape or the online EPS Viewer to verify the rendering. Ask your printer to send a soft proof (PDF preview) before final print run.