EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) and PDF (Portable Document Format) are both descendants of Adobe's PostScript technology, but they serve different roles. EPS is designed as an embeddable single-page graphic, while PDF is designed as a complete multi-page document format with interactive features. Converting EPS to PDF transforms the PostScript artwork into a modern, universally viewable document that preserves vector quality and is compatible with every major operating system and application.

This conversion is critical because EPS is being progressively phased out of modern workflows in favor of PDF. Many applications that once accepted EPS (InDesign, QuarkXPress, web browsers) now prefer or require PDF. Converting legacy EPS assets to PDF future-proofs them for modern workflows.

PDF has effectively replaced EPS as the standard vector interchange format. Every computer has a PDF viewer, while EPS requires specialized software like Adobe Illustrator or Ghostscript. Converting EPS to PDF makes vector artwork accessible to anyone without specialized tools. The artwork remains fully vector, meaning it scales to any size without pixelation.

PDF also supports features that EPS lacks: embedded ICC color profiles, transparency blending (EPS predates PDF's transparency model), interactive elements, and digital signatures. For print production, PDF/X compliance provides standardized color management and trapping that EPS cannot guarantee.

Ghostscript interprets the EPS PostScript code and converts it to PDF using the ps2pdf or pdfwrite device. Vector paths, text, and shapes are preserved as native PDF drawing operations rather than being rasterized. Embedded raster images within the EPS are re-encoded in the PDF. Fonts referenced in the EPS are embedded or subset in the PDF output. The conversion supports EPS files with Level 1, 2, and 3 PostScript code. The resulting PDF maintains the EPS bounding box as the page size, and the output typically conforms to PDF 1.4 or later.

Yes. Vector paths, text, and shapes are converted directly to PDF drawing operations. The artwork remains fully scalable and editable in vector editors like Illustrator.

Yes. Illustrator can open PDF files and access the vector paths, text, and objects. The editing experience is very similar to working with the original EPS file.

For vector content, yes. PostScript paths map directly to PDF paths. Embedded raster images may be recompressed depending on settings, but can be preserved at original quality.

The output is typically PDF 1.4 or later, which supports transparency and is compatible with all modern PDF viewers. Older PDF versions can be targeted if needed for specific workflow requirements.

Fonts embedded in the EPS are carried into the PDF. Fonts that are referenced but not embedded may be substituted with system fonts. For best results, ensure fonts are embedded in the EPS before converting.

Device	EPS	PDF
Windows PC	Partial	Partial
macOS	Partial	Partial
iPhone/iPad	Partial	Partial
Android	Partial	Partial
Linux	Partial	Native
Web Browser	No	Native

Feature	EPS	PDF
Full Name	Encapsulated PostScript	Portable Document Format
Extension	.eps	.pdf
Best For	Print industry	Universal format

Convert EPS to PDF — Free Online Converter

About EPS to PDF Conversion

Why Convert EPS to PDF?

Common Use Cases

How It Works

Quality & Performance

Device Compatibility

Tips for Best Results

Related Conversions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conversions & Tools

Reverse Conversion

Also Convert EPS to

Also Convert to PDF

Related Tools

Explore More

Need to edit, sign, or compress this PDF?

How to Convert

Convert EPS to other formats

Convert other formats to PDF

EPS vs PDF