Viewing PostScript

PostScript files are an end format commonly used in professional printing and cannot easily be modified. Changes should always be made to the original artwork and a new encapsulated PostScript file created from this. 

PostScript files cannot be viewed by most applications although files created in illustration software such as Adobe Illustrator will often include a low resolution (and quality) preview. To view and print EPS files, you have the following options. 

• Using a PostScript printer. EPS files will print correctly on any PostScript printer (or printer with PostScript emulation). On non-PostScript printers the files will not print or a low resolution (and quality) version will print instead.
• Convert to Acrobat format. EPS files can be 'distilled' to produce a Portable Document Format (PDF) file that can be viewed and printed with Adobe's free Acrobat reader  on any type of printer. Adobe sell a utility called Acrobat to do this. GhostScript  is another utility which will create PDF files and is free for non-commercial use.
• View and print directly with GhostScript. A PostScript printer is not necessary.
• Professional illustration software such as Macromedia Freehand and Adobe Illustrator will import and open many PostScript files. Printing still requires a conversion to PDF or a PostScript printer.  

If you are having any problems with PostScript files please contact us  for further advice.