Opening an EPS file

[Tattersall]

Hello,

I am new to Inkscape, my reason for starting is that I am looking to edit a vector file to create an invitation.

I have found that I am not able to open an eps file in Inkscape. The file I want to work with is only available as an eps or jpg, I have seen conversations about changing file type which won't help me. I have tried reading around the topic and looking at Inkscape's FAQ's. I think understand it has something to do with Ghostscript but my technical ability is limited.

So I have looked to download Ghostscript (selecting version for postscript files) but then unclear what version I should download? I assume it is Linux, but is it 32bit or or 64bit version I need?

I am working on a mac, using Sierra 10.12.6 if this helps determine which version is needed?

Once Ghostscript is installed will there be any further steps I should follow or will it then be straightforward to open the eps file?

Thank you in advance.

[Moini]

I'd try the 64bit version first, as macOS is 64 bit since Lion.

[Tattersall]

Thank you.

Having installed 64bit version, when I open the program from my downloads I get the following message. I have tried again to open an eps file without success?

Last login: Wed Feb  7 22:12:54 on ttys000
Our-iMac:~ Will$ /Users/Will/Downloads/ghostscript-9.22-linux-x86_64/gs-922-linux-x86_64 ; exit;
-bash: /Users/Will/Downloads/ghostscript-9.22-linux-x86_64/gs-922-linux-x86_64: cannot execute binary file
logout
Saving session...
...copying shared history...
...saving history...truncating history files...
...completed.

[Process completed]
  [Restored 8 Feb 2018, 07:27:24]
Last login: Thu Feb  8 07:24:45 on console
Restored session: Wed  7 Feb 2018 22:13:36 GMT
Our-iMac:~ Will$

[Moini]

Uhm, yes. You downloaded the Linux version. That probably won't work....
I think this workaround will be easier:

Not sure if the ghostscript thing will work on macOS at all... The instructions from the FAQ you followed are for Windows-specific problems, btw.

[brynn]

Welcome Tattersall!

I thought GS was only needed to open EPS files, on Windows.  I was about to provide a link to those instructions, until I realized the problem is on a Mac.

Can I infer that something has changed in recent versions of Inkscape, (or maybe Mac and/or Linux?) to require Mac and/or Linux users to also install GS?  If so, maybe we should put instructions for EPS / GS for Mac, or even Linux, in the FAQ?

Or could it be that installing GS is not the correct solution for opening EPS files on Macs?

Tattersall, are you unable to open any EPS files?  Or is the problem with just one file?  If just one file, I'm thinking the problem might be in the file, rather than your system.