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How to Use EPS Files in Illustrator

Short for Encapsulated Postscript, EPS is a vector format often used for large-scale printing. Here’s how to use EPS files in Illustrator.

In this handy guide, we’re covering what you need to know about EPS files and Adobe Illustrator, so you can quickly transfer vector graphics between applications. 


What Is an EPS File?

Encapsulated Postscript, or EPS, is a popular vector format supported on Adobe’s Creative Suite. 

You can download some EPS inspiration online (try searching the Shutterstock library with the vector filter applied!) and then import it into Illustrator. Alternatively, you can use EPS files that you’ve created in the past.


How to Use EPS Files in Illustrator

First, we recommend copying the EPS file and pasting it into your Illustrator project folder, so you can easily find it later. Then, launch your desired Illustrator project and add the EPS file by following these instructions:

  1. From the top menu bar, choose File > Place and select your EPS file from the file directory. 
  2. Hover over your artboard, and you’ll see that your cursor now includes a preview of your EPS file. Click once to add the EPS file at full size, or click and drag to size it manually.

By default, EPS vectors in Illustrator are linked to the original file and previewed at the highest resolution possible. Even if you’ve created an EPS file in another program, Illustrator will try to optimize it for the Adobe platform. 

If you don’t need to edit any elements within the EPS file, you’re welcome to leave it as is and continue with the rest of your design.


How to Edit EPS Files in Illustrator

By default, Illustrator will place your EPS file on your artboard as a linked object. To edit the EPS file in Illustrator, click Embed from the top menu. 

Screenshot of Illustrator with linked EPS file and Embed button highlighted


This will convert the EPS file to live shapes (indicated by the blue paths with anchor points), which you can then manipulate with the Direct Selection and other tools.

Screenshot of Illustrator with EPS file converted to live shapes


Note: By embedding your EPS file, the original EPS file will not be affected. If you prefer to edit the original, start by clicking Edit Original from the top menu (instead of Embed).


How Does Illustrator Interpret EPS?

As you work with EPS and AI files, here are a few important tips to know:

  • In general, it’s better to link to an EPS file within Illustrator, rather than embedding it in the program. This will ensure that data isn’t lost when Illustrator converts the EPS objects into native objects. 
  • Avoid importing transparent files from other programs into Illustrator, as the EPS format does not support transparency.
  • When you link to an EPS file, Illustrator’s color management settings will not affect it, even if the program has global color-management settings enabled. On the other hand, embedded EPS files will be color-managed with the rest of the document.
  • If Illustrator can’t find a linked EPS graphic, you can locate the original file with the Extract option. This will copy the EPS file into the same folder as the other Illustrator project files.
  • You can also import EPS colors into Illustrator and add them to a swatch library. If your EPS file has the same name as an existing color, however, the program will prompt you to make a decision about the color. If you choose Use Linked File’s Color, Illustrator will replace the current color with your new EPS color. On the other hand, Use Document’s Color will leave the color alone.

Cover image via Rawpixel.com.

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