Using LaTeX with EPS Figures

The following files provide a starting point for creating a LaTeX document:

  1. templateEPS.tex (sample master file)
  2. simpleConference.sty (style file)
  3. refs.bib (bibiliography file)
  4. figure.eps (the figure file)
Put these into a directory (right click on the link and select Save Target As). To create a PDF file for the whole document, execute the following commands:
  1. latex templateEPS
  2. bibtex templateEPS
  3. latex templateEPS
  4. latex templateEPS
  5. dvipdfm templateEPS
The result should look like this.

Printing to EPS

LaTeX can import encapsulated postscript (EPS) files for figures. Any software application that supports printing can be used to create EPS files. The most convenient way to do this is to set up a "printer" specifically for this purpose. After printing an EPS file, it is necessary to use a program to set the "bounding box" of the figure so that it does not take up a whole page. This document describes how to set up a printer in Windows and how to use Ghostscript to set the bounding box.

Setting up a Printer for EPS

First, create a printer:

  1. Start -> Printers and Faxes
  2. Double-click Add Printer
  3. Click Next -> Choose local printer, Uncheck Automatically check, Click Next
  4. Scroll down ports and choose print to file, Click Next
  5. Select a color postscript printer (e.g. HP Color LaserJet PS), Click Next
  6. Specify as the printer name "Print to EPS"
  7. Click next several times, don't print test page, then click finish.
Next, configure the printer:
  1. If window is not still open, Start -> Printers and Faxes
  2. Right click on "Print to EPS" and select Printing preferences.
  3. Click Advanced
  4. Expand Document Options -> PostScript Options
  5. In PostScript Output Option, select Encapsulated Postscript (EPS).
  6. Click OK twice.
Now you can use this printer to create EPS files. Be sure to name the output file with a ".eps" extension.

Using Ghostscript to set the Bounding Box

Ghostscript is a free program for manipulating PostScript and PDF files. It can be used to correct the bounding box.

  1. Start GSview
  2. Open the EPS file that you created.
  3. Select File -> PS to EPS.
  4. In the dialog, make sure to check "Automatically calculate Bounding Box."
  5. Click Yes, and then specify a file name ending in ".eps" and click Save.