eps file

[graphicgirl]

Can someone please help me? My logo design has a white background even when I save it as an eps file. Thanks:confused:

[Lukas Engqvist]

eps = Encapsulated Post Script
it is a post script printer data in an envelope (encapsulated) with a preview on the outside. Some applications only let you see the preview, and depending on what program made the preview it could be a simple tif with no transparency. Viewing high resolution will help this, if the software you are placing the eps in supports reading and processing the eps data (eg InDesign)
You may need to print the file on a Postscript compatible printer.
If you do not have a post script printer converting to a PDF may get around this problem.

Also worth to note that eps does not support transparency, except for a limited support of overprint (limited because it varies depending on output device)

Please what application are you placing your eps in?

[Scott Weichert]

A white background may also be the result of a drop shadow or outer glow applied in Illustrator. It gets flattened in EPS form since EPS is a flat file format. In order to maintain appearance the "blur" has to merge with a color, if you have not background color in Illustrator, white is used.

Do you have effects added to the artwork such as a drop shadow?

[graphicgirl]

Yes, I do have a drop shadow.

[graphicgirl]

The application I am placing the logo in is Illustrator...I am designing a banner. Thank you all so much for trying to help with this.

[eugenetyson]

Here I have two objects, both have the same drop shadow. They are both placed into Illustrator over a background.

The top one is a .ai file

The bottom one is the eps.

Answer: Save as .ai. Forget about saving as EPS it's a dying file format. If you must, use PDF it's the smarter succesor of EPS :D

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/9281/logoepsvsairy6.gif

[The Repro Kid]

Not withstanding all your good advice Eugene about skipping over eps format completely, the real underlying issue here is how you are using your .eps file in your example. Placing an .eps into AI is double embedding for no reason. All you really need to do is open the EPS file with AI, copy the items that you need, and then paste the elements into your new AI file. Then the issue is resolved.

[eugenetyson]

Copying and pasting is fine too, it resolves the issue also. I think the trouble is that it's for a logo.

So take for instance if I was doing a banner ad that had many versions, like horizontal banner, vertical banner, et al types of banners.

I need to use the same logo in each version of the adverts.

If I copy and paste the logo into the banner ads, perhaps I have 50 adverts, then the client decides, you know what I want to change the logo and it's text.

You would have to put that text change through 50 times.

Whereas if you save the logo as a .ai file and then File>Place you are just using 1 version of the logo.

When you update the logo, the link should require an update, which you're prompted for.

I think that was the case here today. That the logo of course is being used on banner ads. 1 instance across many files, instantly updated with changing 1 file, not all the files :D

[The Repro Kid]

Oh yeah, good idea, placing ai files in AI works. Sure. But then I have to go with your screwdriver-hammer comparison and admit that I'd reach for InDesign if I was laying out multiple ads, banners etc. :o

[kialua]

I'd love to send my banners and sign files from InDesign too, but the sign companies usually ask for Illustrator files, my least skilled format. But that is an improvement as they used to take my page layout files and just copy them (poorly) into their software which was not compatible with anything until the last few years and their acceptance of Illy files. whew, ok that was a run on sentence sorry!

[Lukas Engqvist]

and then if you put them in a symbol library they are available any new document :)

[eugenetyson]

Oh yeah, good idea, placing ai files in AI works. Sure. But then I have to go with your screwdriver-hammer comparison and admit that I'd reach for InDesign if I was laying out multiple ads, banners etc. :o

I thought it confusing enough without bringing in another application, as the original question was how to place a .eps into illustrator and get rid of the white background.

Well the .ai file is the best option rather than the eps, and the same goes when importing to InDesign, that or the PDF. Both will work in InDesign a lot better than an eps.

I'd only really use InDesign for laying out pages, I'd definitely create all the artwork in illustrator or photoshop, like banner ads etc.

I'd say we all have different work methods and work flows, and there's no hard and fast rule about it.

I guess the advantage of Illustrator CS4 (if the OP upgrades or has it already) is that is supports multiple artboards (like Freehand :) ) so that it's easier to layout all the artwork on one document, then import the different artboards into your Page Layout software, like InDesign, Quark or whatever you're using. (Are you using Freehand Repro??? :p )

[eugenetyson]

I might just add the putting the .ai file into InDesign isn't easy either :D

You have to "Show Options" select Art so you only import the actual logo and not the whole artboard.

If you're placing the logo with a drop shadow on a spot colour then different PDF settings will yield different results.

For some settings you need to have Overprint Preview turned on to see the shadow. So that would meant that the printer or RIP you're using would need to be to set to Overprint etc.

Any object that has a drop shadow in InDesign or imported from say Illustrator can cause problems if set on a spot colour - probably true for Illustrator too I'd imagine.

[Lukas Engqvist]

An AI file in InDesign uses the PDF data for placement, so yes the PDF settings have a deffinite effect. Understanding the flavours of PDF will be essential in navigating the waters.

PDFx1-3 means no live transparency, the shadow can be maintained by using an overprinting shadow, so long as the next process supports overprinting.

PDFx4 allows transparency as does PDF 1.4 and higher (Acrobat 5).
You can have a PDF 1.4 or higher or a PDF x4 that uses overprint to crete the drop shadow, so there is no guarantee that it will work correct, once the transparency is flattened it cannot be unflattened. Even in Photoshop it is not possible to mix transparency modes between partts of the placed file, it can be compared to "knock out group" and an opacity map of the appearance of the final image.

These are new problems arrising as logos begin to include parts that interact with the surrounding design. We will see more and more of this kind of question. More people are designing. More professionals with traditonal experience are having to work at a broader job, often operating outside their area of expertise.

[The Repro Kid]

I thought it confusing enough without bringing in another application, as the original question was how to place a .eps into illustrator and get rid of the white background.

Well the .ai file is the best option rather than the eps, and the same goes when importing to InDesign, that or the PDF. Both will work in InDesign a lot better than an eps.

I'd only really use InDesign for laying out pages, I'd definitely create all the artwork in illustrator or photoshop, like banner ads etc.

I'd say we all have different work methods and work flows, and there's no hard and fast rule about it.

I guess the advantage of Illustrator CS4 (if the OP upgrades or has it already) is that is supports multiple artboards (like Freehand :) ) so that it's easier to layout all the artwork on one document, then import the different artboards into your Page Layout software, like InDesign, Quark or whatever you're using. (Are you using Freehand Repro???)Actually quark has had the ability to make different size art boards in the same file for several years now. :o

But about the freehand, Eugene, I will work, with a smile, in any program that the job, client or boss requires, including but not limited to; Freehand, Pagemaker, Quark, Illustrator, Canvas, Painter, Indesign, Mechanical Art boards, paste-up, stat-camera, ortho neg, Creo Prinergy, 3M Scotchprint Graphic Maker RIP, Caldera Grand RIP, Pen and Ink, Rapidographs and French Curves, Drafting Machines and pencils, Marking pens, prisma colors or even china markers or conté crayons;)

However I do get a little grumpy if someone expects me to use Word, Corel Draw, Microsoft Publisher, or Powerpoint :cool:

[Lukas Engqvist]

Got a job today. A 6 page folder layed out on a single sheet with the pages 2 by to. A low res PDF, from Corel and no bleed, just strokes around the pages. Doesn't make me grumpy, just smile and despair :)

[kialua]

Got a job today. A 6 page folder layed out on a single sheet with the pages 2 by to. A low res PDF, from Corel and no bleed, just strokes around the pages. Doesn't make me grumpy, just smile and despair :)

so... despair is just below or above grumpy... ;) How funny what a great file. What can you do with low rez but send it back?

I've also worked in modeling clay to mimic oil paintings....:rolleyes:

[eugenetyson]

Actually quark has had the ability to make different size art boards in the same file for several years now. :o

But about the freehand, Eugene, I will work, with a smile, in any program that the job, client or boss requires, including but not limited to; Freehand, Pagemaker, Quark, Illustrator, Canvas, Painter, Indesign, Mechanical Art boards, paste-up, stat-camera, ortho neg, Creo Prinergy, 3M Scotchprint Graphic Maker RIP, Caldera Grand RIP, Pen and Ink, Rapidographs and French Curves, Drafting Machines and pencils, Marking pens, prisma colors or even china markers or conté crayons;)

However I do get a little grumpy if someone expects me to use Word, Corel Draw, Microsoft Publisher, or Powerpoint :cool:

Fair Play. This morning I did a job in etch-a-sketch

[kialua]

Hey when you got it you got it, talent that it... doesn't matter what the medium is.

http://www.gvetchedintime.com/gvetchedintime/gallery.php

[eugenetyson]

They are class. I was checking them out this morning. Pure genius. Just need to hook it up to a printer :D

[kialua]

well by now I suppose I should apologize to eps girl for stealing the thread and taking it off topic! but it was fun. ;)

[graphicgirl]

Thanks you all are GREAT!!:)