OFF97: Can't Import Some EPS Files from Adobe Illustrator 8.0

ID: Q197347

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

If you try to import a picture from an Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) file created by Adobe Illustrator version 8.0 (Windows version), you may see the following symptoms:

  1. The Preview area of the Insert Picture dialog box may contain only the text "Preview not Available."


  2. After you select the file and click Insert, you may see a dialog box asking you to identify what file format the picture is.


  3. You receive the following error message:
    An error occurred while importing this file. <Path\File Name>.eps



CAUSE

This problem occurs if you save the EPS file from Adobe Illustrator with a 256-color preview and Adobe Illustrator 8.0 compatibility. The graphics import filter used by PowerPoint 97, Word 97, and the other Office 97 for Windows programs can't interpret this type of file.


WORKAROUND

To prevent this problem, either save the EPS file from Adobe Illustrator with a black and white preview, or save it with version 7.0 (or earlier) compatibility. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. In Adobe Illustrator, on the File menu, click Save As.


  2. In the Save As dialog box, click Illustrator EPS in the Save As Type list.


  3. Type a file name and click Save. This displays the EPS Format dialog box.


  4. In the EPS Format dialog box, click either the One-bit IBM PC or the None option in the Preview area. Or, in the Compatibility area, click the 7.0 option.


  5. Click OK.



STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.


MORE INFORMATION

If you save an EPS file from Adobe Illustrator 8.0 with an earlier version of compatibility, the file looks and prints the same as if you saved it with version 8.0 compatibility. However, if you open that file again in Adobe Illustrator 8.0, you may not be able to correctly edit some objects.

According to the Adobe Illustrator Readme file, Adobe actually recommends exporting files in the Enhanced Metafile (EMF) format if you want to use them in Microsoft Office Programs.

Adobe Illustrator is manufactured by Adobe Systems, Inc., a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: kb3rdparty, kbconvert, kbrgaphic ppt97 word97 8.0 ppt8 word8 AI AI8.0 fails kberrmsg grphflt crashes can't cannot 


Keywords          : kb3rdparty kbdta 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: June 1, 1999