Vector EPS Validations - Updated

*Note: You can find additional EPS Validation information and troubleshooting here.

All EPS files must be compatible with Illustrator version 10

Why is this important? In order to ensure that our customers can have broad use of your files no matter what vector-editing software they use, we require this Adobe Illustrator format (EPS 10) for your vector submissions.

How to save your file as an EPS 10 in Adobe Illustrator:

• In the menu bar, select File > Save As
• In the Save As dialog box select Illustrator EPS (eps) from the format dropdown
• In the EPS Options dialog box select Illustrator 10 EPS from the Version dropdown and click the OK button at the bottom of the screen.

Select Save As from the menu bar:

Select Format EPS:

Select Version EPS 10:

All layers in your vector file must be unlocked

Please make sure that all of the layers of your vector file are unlocked. This will help ensure that all elements of the artwork are accessible to customers.

Why is this important? A locked layer (or multiple locked layers) can cause confusion to a customer who expects everything in the file they downloaded to be fully accessible, when they first open it. Having access to all elements creates a better user experience for customers.

How to Unlock Layers in Adobe Illustrator:

• Select all elements (Windows: Ctrl +A / Mac: Command +A) then, in the menu bar, select Object > Unlock All.
• Important: Please note that unlocking the main layers will not unlock their nested sublayers

Vector files cannot be submitted with multiple artboards

Please make sure all of your vector files are saved on only one artboard. This will ensure customers receive the file they expected to and prevent additional pop ups and warning messages when opened.

How to check for multiple artboards in Adobe Illustrator:

• In the menu bar, select Window > Artboards
• In the Artboards window verify that there is only one artboard, delete any extra artboards and make sure that you do not check “Use Artboards” when saving your EPS file.

All objects and elements must be contained within the artboard

Vector submissions cannot contain extra vector objects located outside the artboard of your EPS file. Any vector objects found beyond the artboard are not considered part of the artwork and will result in an error.

Example of artwork outside of the artboard:

All elements in your vector file must be expanded into objects and paths

Please make sure that all objects in your vector file have been expanded into objects and paths to ensure that all elements of the artwork are accessible to a customer. 

This is important because when a file has unexpanded objects and elements it can make it difficult for a customer to edit the artwork, as they expect all elements within the file to be fully accessible when they open it. Having access to all elements creates a better user experience for customers.

How to Expand Pattern Fills in Adobe Illustrator:

• Select the object with the pattern fill
• On the menu bar, select Object > Expand
• “Expand” dialogue box will pop up
• Make sure that “Fill” is checked
• Click OK

Vector files cannot contain ANY raster images or effects

Vectors submitted must be 100% vector objects and shapes. Rasterized or bitmapped images occur when files that contain pixel-based effects like transparencies or effects like drop shadows or blurs, are applied.

Examples of common raster effects:

• Transparencies
• Opacity Masks
• Drop Shadows
• Gaussian or Radial Blurs

Avoiding use of raster effects altogether will help ensure that your files are 100% vector so that they can be successfully opened and edited by customers.