FAQ: PostScript Files
How do I create PostScript output files (such as .eps, .ps, or .pdf)?
PostScript files can be easily imported into many other applications. With the right printer drivers, Sketchpad sketches can be exported as Postscript (in .eps, .ps, or .pdf format) and used in other documents. Exporting your sketch in PostScript, rather than just copying the objects in your sketch and pasting them into another document, is useful when you are typesetting production graphics in environments such as TeX or Quark.
Creating PostScript files under Windows
Check if your printer is capable of generating pure PostScript output. (The easiest way to check is by following the steps below and trying to import into Word: if it works, it's pure PostScript; if not, you'll need to download a driver.) If your printer does not generate pure PostScript, you will need to download and install a generic PostScript driver from
Create an image in Sketchpad. Choose File | Print. Select the "Generic Postscript Printer" from the list of printers. Choose "Print to File" and click the Properties button. On the Properties page, click "Advanced." In the options dialog that appears, set the PostScript Output Option to EPS. Click OK twice to return to the Print dialog. Click OK in the Print dialog, and then change the output file name to use the extension ".eps".
Creating PostScript files under Mac OS X
Create an image in Sketchpad. Choose File | Print and click the "Save as PDF" button. If you need the output to be in a different PostScript format (.ps or .eps), you will need to convert the PDF file. Shareware such as MacGhostView allows you to do this easily.
Creating PostScript files under Mac OS 8, 9, and Classic
Check if your printer is capable of generating pure PostScript output. Most Mac OS 8, 9, and Classic computers shipped with a LaserWriter printer driver that already has a "Print to File" option supporting many types of output, including PostScript. (The easiest way to check if your printer generates pure PostScript is by following the steps below and trying to import into Word: if it works, it's pure PostScript; if not, you'll need to download a driver.) If your printer does not generate pure PostScript, you will need to download and install a generic PostScript driver from
Create an image in Sketchpad. Choose File | Print and in the dialog box, set the Destination to "File." In the Format drop-down menu, choose the PostScript format appropriate for your needs (PostScript, EPS, or PDF). Click "Print" in the Print dialog, and then change the output file name to use the desired extension (".ps", ".eps", ".pdf").