Windows 3.1 EPS Files Do Not Include TIFF Preview (85738)

SUMMARY

When you print to an encapsulated PostScript (EPS) file from Microsoft Windows version 3.1 using the PSCRIPT.DRV version 3.5 or 3.51 driver, the output file does not contain a tagged image file format (TIFF) or Windows metafile (WMF) preview graphic like those associated with EPS files produced with Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

This feature may be included in a future release.

EPS files are device independent, which means they can be imported into other applications that support EPS files and may be using a different type of PostScript printer. The version 3.5 and 3.51 Windows PostScript printer drivers support a Mirror option that flips the output of the PostScript job so that it is reversed or mirrored, based upon the printer selected. Therefore, you cannot use the Mirror option when printing to an EPS file that has been imported into another document because EPS files are device independent and the Mirror option is device dependent.

MORE INFORMATION

In general, an EPS file is an ASCII text file that contains Adobe page description language describing a bounding box and the text and/or graphics within it. An advanced version of the EPS file also contains a TIFF or WMF graphic used to represent the contents of the EPS file.

The TIFF or WMF file is required to render the picture on devices that are non-PostScript, such as a display. Without this file, there is no way for you to see the image before printing it. EPS files that do not contain these non-PostScript representations cannot support what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) functionality because the images cannot be displayed on screen. This causes a conflict because many applications offer WYSIWIG functionality.

EPS files cannot be sent directly to a PostScript printer with reliable results. Instead, first import the EPS file into a document. Then, from the application, print the file as part of that document.

EPS files cannot be printed to non-PostScript printers. If the EPS file has an attached TIFF graphic, you may be able to import the TIFF graphic into your application and then print the TIFF file instead of the EPS file.

How to Print an EPS File from Windows

In the Control Panel window, choose the Printers icon.
Choose the Setup button, then choose the Options button.
Select the Encapsulated PostScript File option button and type a filename in the Name box.