WD: EPS Graphic PostScript Lost Between WinWord and MacWord

ID: Q82128

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.1, 5.1a, 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you convert a document that contains an embedded Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) graphic from Word for Windows to Word for the Macintosh (or vice versa), only a representation of the picture (PICT) or tagged image file format (TIFF) bitmap preview image contained in the original EPS graphic will be retained.

CAUSE

Because most graphics programs that export the EPS graphic format include only a low resolution bitmap preview image by default, the visual quality of the converted graphic may be somewhat degraded in comparison to the output that could be obtained if the original PostScript code had been retained and sent to the printer after conversion.

WORKAROUND

To improve the quality of the image, use one of the following workarounds.

Method 1

Use the highest resolution option for the preview header included with an EPS image when you export it from the creator graphic application.

Method 2

Use a graphics format other than EPS.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was corrected in Microsoft Word 97 Service Release 1 (SR-1).

For additional information about SR-1, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q172475
   TITLE     : OFF97: How to Obtain and Install MS Office 97 SR-1

MORE INFORMATION

When converting between Word for the Macintosh and Word for Windows, the on-screen representation of the EPS graphic is transformed by the Windows metafile converter in conjunction with the Word for Windows text converter to a Windows metafile (or vice versa when converting in the opposite direction).

NOTE: As defined by the Adobe EPS Specification 2.0, the inclusion of a bitmap preview image in an EPS graphic file is optional. If you attempt to convert a document that contains such an EPS graphic with no preview image in either direction, a blank box will be the result--both on screen and when printing. This behavior is by design.

Additional query words: win mac metapict meta pict conversion converting transferring translating translate translation transfer import export image quality

Keywords          : kbgraphic kbinterop kbconversion winword macword word6 word95 
Version           : WINDOWS:6.0,6.0a,6.0c,7.0,7.0a,97; MACINTOSH:6.0,6.0.1,98
Platform          : MACINTOSH WINDOWS
Hardware          : MAC PWRMAC x86
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

Last Reviewed: March 27, 1998