Creating EPS Files on the Mac

Why is this Necessary?

The Encapuslated Postscript File (EPS) is the preferred format for professional graphics production. However, some popular general-purpose applications do not provide an EPS Save As function. It is possible to generate high quality prints and slides from such applications by using the print-to-file capabilities available on most desktop computers. The method summarized below is especially useful in creating Fujix digital photo prints from Microsoft PowerPoint files, but also generally in permitting the use of almost any document element in a more sophisticated graphics package.

Graphic File Formats

There are two fundamental types of computer graphic file: bitmap and vector. Bitmap files such as photographs, scans, and video frames are composed of rows and columns of pixels, while vector files are composed of mathematical instructions for rendering text, objects and colors in a desired arrangement. Bitmaps are typically saved as TIFF files, while vector images are often saved in EPS, WMF or PICT format. Vector files tend to be much smaller than equivalently detailed bitmap files; they can also be scaled to any size without degradation of quality or increase in file size.

Pure bitmap files containing no added vector text or graphics should be left in the TIFF format, but bitmaps which have been combined together, or annotated with text or other vector information in programs such as Deneba Canvas, Adobe Illustrator, or even Microsoft Word should be saved in EPS format. The EPS format is particularly useful in that it permits the inclusion of both bitmap and vector information in a single file. Many programs offer an EPS option in their SAVE AS dialogs under the File menu. For those which do not, the following procedures may be used.

Note: this method will not work using Canvas 5.

Although the instructions below refer specifically to the Macintosh, they are generally applicable to Windows as well. The particular commands vary, but their purpose -- the creation of an EPS file from a document -- remains the same.

Making EPS files

If you are using any version of the Apple LaserWriter Chooser Extension older than 8.3.3, install the LaserWriter 8.3.3 Printer software on your Macintosh computer:

STEP 2.

Select a LaserWriter Printer:

In the Macintosh Chooser, select the LaserWriter Printer icon in the top left window panel, and choose any Postscript laser printer from the list on the right of the window.

Compose the page:

Open the original document containing the material you wish to make an EPS image of. This might be a Microsoft Word table, a chart or graph created in Microsoft Excel, or even the contents of a folder on your computer's desktop.

The white area in the main window representing a printed page also determines the borders of the final EPS image file. It may be necessary to choose PAGE VIEW or PRINT PREVIEW in order for some programs to show this view.

If your image fills only a portion of this white area, it will occupy only a portion of the ultimate EPS figure; if it extends beyond this area, it will be clipped at the border.

The size and shape of this virtual page may be altered in PAGE SETUP under the File menu to suite the elements in the figure.

Remember to save the finished image in the native program format in the usual way; this will be your permanent copy of the file.

Generate an EPS file of the page using the "print to file" capabilities of the LaserWriter printer driver:

Under the File menu, select PRINT. A series of dialog boxes appears, presenting options of which those shown here marked in red are correct:

Older LaserWriter Driver