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koshirok096
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Introduction
Recently, Iโve been handling vector files more often at workโespecially EPS and SVG. As a personal memo, this post concisely summarizes the positioning, strengths, caveats, and best-use cases for the main extensions: EPS / SVG / AI.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
Overview- Late 1980s (Adobe). A print-oriented vector format from the heyday of DTP.
- Contents are PostScript programs (text), though some EPS files include binary elements (e.g., embedded previews).
Strengths- Excellent for high-resolution printing; works well in PostScript-based output environments.
- Can embed placed raster images.
Cautions (practical pitfalls)- Does not natively preserve transparency, so exporting EPS from Illustrator often flattens transparency (can cause visual discrepancies).
- Not suitable for the web (heavy / no interactivity / not supported by browsers).
- Todayโs print workflows mainly use PDF (or PDF/X). EPS remains a legacy format that is still sometimes requested.
When to use (minimally)- When the client explicitly requests EPS and you know their workflow is PostScript-based.
- Otherwise, default to PDF/X for safety.
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
Overview- 1999 (W3C standard). A web-standard vector format. XML-based.
Strengths- Infinitely scalable without quality loss; lightweight and strong in browsers.
- Supports styling and animation via CSS/JS; an excellent fit for interactive UIs.
- Rich visual features (transparency, gradients, filters, etc.).
- Can embed raster images (PNG/JPEG) as well (often discouraged depending on use case).
Cautions (practical pitfalls)- Support is limited in print workflows (depends on the RIP or submission guidelines).
- Designed for browsers, so the default color space is RGB. Print-oriented needs like CMYK/spot colors are better handled by PDF-based workflows.
- Fonts are environment-dependent; consider web-font loading or outlining.
- Security: inline SVG can contain scripts, so sanitize files when exchanging them.
When to use- Browser-bound deliverables such as web logos, icons, illustrations, UI parts, and animations.
- For print, export a final PDF instead.
AI (Adobe Illustrator format)
Overview- 1987 (Adobe). Illustratorโs native editing (โmothershipโ) format.
- Modern AI files are effectively โPDF-compatible data + Illustrator-specific dataโ (older generations could be EPS-compatible).
Strengths- Preserves full editing info: layers, artboards, guides, appearances, etc.
- Can export to many formats as needed: PDF / EPS / SVG / PNG.
Cautions (practical pitfalls)- Limited compatibility outside Illustrator; even if a file opens, layers/effects may be missing.
- Version compatibility issues: older Illustrator versions may not open newer AI files.
- Before sharing, enable โCreate PDF Compatible File,โ or save to an older version.
- For the web, itโs common to export to SVG/PNG for delivery.
When to use- As the working/editing master: intermediate assets, team sharing, archiving.
Which to use at a glance
- For production work: AI (preserves full editing info)
- For print deliverables: PDF (PDF/X recommended) Use EPS only when explicitly requested by the recipient
- For web deliverables: SVG (with PNG/JPEG as needed)
Conclusion
Iโve understood the basics of vectors and used them in limited ways, but I wasnโt deeply familiar with the differences among the vector file extensions (EPS, SVG, AI). Since Iโve been handling EPS and SVG more frequently at work, I want to better understand their differences so I can choose the most appropriate format for each job.
This is a personal memo-style write-up, but I hope itโs helpful. Thanks for reading.
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