The main difference between EPS and SVG is that EPS is a legacy vector graphics file format for print workflow while SVG is a vector graphic file format for web.
EPS and SVG are standard of file formats. EPS is based on PostScript whereas SVG is based on XML. Overall, EPS useful for print workflow team while SVG is suitable for teams working on World Wide Web.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is EPS
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is SVG
– Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between EPS and SVG
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
EPS, PostScript, SVG, Vector Graphics, XML
What is EPS
EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. It is based on PostScript that is used as a graphics file format. PostScript document can describe images and it is possible to place it within another PostScript document. An EPS file is also a PostScript program for creating an image. Therefore, this program can be saved as a single file with a low resolution preview.
An EPS file at least contains a BoundingBox DSC comment, describing the rectangle containing the image described by the EPS file. Applications can use this information to lay out the page, even though they cannot directly render the PostScript inside. EPS and DCS’s Open Structuring Conversions create a basis of early versions of the Adobe Illustrator Artwork file format.
Adobe Acrobat, Flash, Illustrator, InDesign, AutoCAD and CorelDraw are some programs that save or convert text and vector art to EPS format. Many image converters are capable of creating EPS files with the pixels of the image. Moreover, EPS was first implemented on Apple Macintosh devices.
What is SVG
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is an XML-based vector image format. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) developed SVG specification. It is an open standard. SVG images and their behaviours are defined in XML text files. It is possible to perform operations such as searching, indexing, scripting and compressing. Furthermore, user can create and edit SVG images with any text editor or drawing software. Most web browsers such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari and Opera have SVG rendering capability.
SVG supports vector graphics, bitmap images and text. It is possible to group, style, transform and composite graphical objects. SVG uses CSS for styling and JavaScript for scripting. Furthermore, SVG drawings are interactive and can consist of animations.
Difference Between EPS and SVG
Definition
EPS is a DSC conforming PostScript document with additional restrictions which is intended to be usable as a graphics file format. In contrast, SVG is an XML based vector image format for two-dimensional graphics with support for interactivity and animation. Thus, this is the main difference between EPS and SVG.
Basis
EPS is based on PostScript whereas SVG is based on XML.
Development
Furthermore, EPS is no longer in development while W3C developed SVG.
Introduction
EPS is a legacy vector based graphic that came earlier than SVG.
Advantages
In addition, another difference between EPS and SVG is that the EPS only provides information about how to display the image, allows printing and saves the actual preview of design, while SVG allows searching, indexing and compressing easily.
Main Usage
Moreover, EPS file format is used for high-quality documents printing, logos and marketing material while SVG is used for graphics and iconic elements on a website. Hence, this is another difference between EPS and SVG.
Conclusion
The main difference between EPS and SVG is that EPS is a legacy vector graphics file format for print workflow while SVG is a vector graphic file format for web. In brief, EPS is suitable for print and publishing while SVG is suitable to use on a web platform.
References:
1.“Encapsulated PostScript.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Mar. 2019, Available here.
2.“Scalable Vector Graphics.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Apr. 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1.”3671166″ via Pixabay
2.”Official logo for the SVG file format” By W3C (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply