Encapsulated PostScript

Encapsulated PostScript

Filename extension	.eps .epsf .epsi
Internet media type	application/postscript application/eps application/x-eps image/eps image/x-eps
Type code	EPSF TEXT
Uniform Type Identifier (UTI)	com.adobe.encapsulated-postscript
Type of format	Vector image format
Extended from	PostScript

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) is a Document Structuring Convention (DSC) conforming PostScript document format usable as a graphics file format. The format was developed as early as 1987 by John Warnock and Chuck Geschke, the founders of Adobe, together with Aldus.^[1] The basis of early versions of the Adobe Illustrator Artwork file format is formed by EPS together with the DSC Open Structuring Conventions.

In short, EPS files are self-contained, reasonably predictable PostScript documents that describe an image or drawing and can be placed within another PostScript document. An EPS file is essentially a PostScript program, saved as a single file that includes a low-resolution preview "encapsulated" within it, allowing some programs to display a preview on the screen. An EPS file contains a DSC comment describing the rectangle containing the image. Applications can use this information to lay out the page, even if they are unable to directly render the PostScript inside.