Adobe Illustrator is a software program. It is required to create vector-based designing and drawing purposes. It is an efficient tool for designers as they can use it for designing a single element and a full project.
It was launched in 1985 by Adobe Inc. Since then, it has gained popularity among designers and has become the industry standard requirement for graphic designing.
Adobe Illustrator(AI) and Encapsulated PostScript(EPS) are two formats used in the program. User can use these file formats to save the work he/she does in the program.
Key Takeaways
- AI (Adobe Illustrator) is a native file format for Adobe Illustrator, offering full editing capabilities and preserving layers and objects; EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) is a universal format primarily used for exporting vector graphics to other applications.
- EPS files are more compatible with various software and printing processes but may lack some editing features in AI files.
- AI is the preferred format for sharing Illustrator files with other Adobe users; for broader compatibility or print production, EPS is a suitable choice.
AI vs. EPS in Adobe Illustrator
AI stands for Adobe Illustrator Artwork, saves, and exports vector-based artwork made by it. AI files can be edited with same quality maintained, and they support a variety of design elements. EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript, saves vector-based graphics in a highly compatible and editable form, used for transferring artwork between software programs.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | AI Format | EPS Format |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Format | It is a proprietary format. Source code is not available | It is an open-source format. The source code is available |
| Transparency | AI format supports transparency | EPS format does not support transparency. |
| Support | AI format supports more complex object types. | EPS format comparatively supports less complex object types. |
| Use | It is mostly used for logos, symbols, icons, and print media | It is mostly used for printing high-resolution images in graphics format |
| Graphics | AI can handle only vector graphics and not bitmap graphics. | EPS can handle both vector and bitmap graphics. |
| File Name | Files are stored with the extension of ‘.ai.’ | Files are stored with the extension of ‘.eps.’ |
| Size | AI files are comparatively smaller. | EPS files are larger than AI files. |
| Future | AI format is futuristic. It is the native Illustrator format in Adobe Illustrator. | EPS format is dying and is mostly used to create old vector graphics. |
What is AI Format?
Adobe Illustrator Artwork (AI) is an exclusive document design created by Adobe Systems for speaking to single-page vector-based drawings in either EPS or PDF designs.
Graphics made using AI format can be used with utmost precision because these graphics retain their details at the maximum zoom level. AI files contain rich and editable information.
Rather than utilizing bitmap picture information, this format uses vectors. Due to this reason, the designs created never lose their quality whenever amplified.
AI can contain only one page, while this one can contain multiple artworks. It is a proprietary format that supports transparency and, to its credit, has a smaller size.
What is EPS Format?
Adobe Illustrator uses Encapsulated Postscript (EPS) file format as a graphics format for vector images. It is a Document Structuring Conventions–adjusting (DSC) PostScript record design usable as an illustrations record design.
An EPS record is a PostScript program. EPS file projects can show a preview on the screen. Because of its capacity to utilize inserted contents, Microsoft eliminated uphold for EPS records in Microsoft Office programs in May 2018.
An EPS document can contain any blend of text, designs, and pictures. Since it is a PostScript document, it is one of the most adaptable records. EPS-documents
EPS is an open-source program that can support vector and bitmap graphics, although it does not support transparency.
Main Differences Between AI and EPS Formats in Adobe Illustrator
- AI Format files are comparatively smaller in size as compared to EPS Format files. This results in AI being efficient files compared to EPS files.
- Regarding the future, the AI format has a brighter future than the EPS format. EPS format is mostly used for old vector graphics, while AI format has become the native Illustrator format in Adobe Illustrator.
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-60384-6_3
- https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/eps-vs-ai/td-p/1758034
Last Updated : 14 October, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Wow, it’s impressive to see how Adobe Illustrator has remained an industry standard for designing since 1985.
Absolutely, it’s a testament to the software’s capabilities.
This article does a great job of breaking down the differences between AI and EPS formats in Adobe Illustrator.
Absolutely, very well-explained!
It’s about time someone clarified this. Great stuff!
Reading this article has made it clear to me how efficient Adobe Illustrator is for this type of work.
Yes, it’s quite interesting to learn the difference between AI format and EPS format. Great article!
Adobe Illustrator is the best for designing logos and symbols. However, I never really understood the differences between AI and EPS until now.
Thank you for sharing! I found this article really informative.
The breakdown of AI and EPS formats is both engaging and informative.
Agreed, this article is a valuable resource for anyone working with Adobe Illustrator.
This article has given me a deeper understanding of Adobe Illustrator and the formats it uses. Thank you!
Having used both AI and EPS formats, I appreciate the clarity this article brings to their differences.
Yes, it’s an enlightening piece for designers.
This article definitely provides much-needed clarity on these formats.
The detailed comparison table provided in this article is really helpful in understanding the unique features of both AI and EPS formats.
Definitely! I’m glad I came across this article.
Agreed! It’s a great resource.
I’ve been using Adobe Illustrator for many years and it’s amazing how relevant it remains for designing.
I couldn’t agree more. AI is a great tool for designers.
Interesting read indeed. The breakdown of the future prospects for AI and EPS formats is quite insightful.
Absolutely, it’s something to keep in mind for future design work.
I found that part really thought-provoking too.