150 votes
PS File - What is a .ps file and how do I open it?
Learn about .PS files and view a list of programs that open them.
Languages
Overview
What is a PS file? A PS file is an image saved in the PostScript page description language. It can contain text, vector graphics , and raster images , and it is primarily designed to describe the layout of a page for printing. PostScript files are typically processed by a Raster Image Processor (RIP) on PostScript-compatible printers, allowing the printers to print them directly without the need for the user to open them in a conventional application.
More Information PS file open in Adobe Photoshop 2019 Adobe Systems developed PostScript in the early 1980s to simplify the process of converting text and graphics into printed pages. Designers, journalists, and publishers use the format to maintain precise layouts across different computers and printers. Over time, newer formats like .PDF have become more prevalent, but professional printing workflows and graphic design environments still use PS files. The primary benefits of PostScript are its ability to accurately preserve page layouts and scale images and text without loss of quality. However, the format is not as widely supported by general software today, making it more difficult for casual users to view or edit PS files. Additionally, PostScript files can be large and complex, which increases processing and loading times.
Adobe Illustrator 2022 Icon
Breadcrumbs
DeveloperAdobe Systems
Popularity3.6 | 150 Votes
Previous / Next
In-Depth
.PS File Extension
PostScript File
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| Popularity |
3.6 | 150 Votes |
What is a PS file?
A PS file is an image saved in the PostScript page description language. It can contain text, vector graphics , and raster images , and it is primarily designed to describe the layout of a page for printing. PostScript files are typically processed by a Raster Image Processor (RIP) on PostScript-compatible printers, allowing the printers to print them directly without the need for the user to open them in a conventional application.
More Information
PS file open in Adobe Photoshop 2019
Adobe Systems developed PostScript in the early 1980s to simplify the process of converting text and graphics into printed pages. Designers, journalists, and publishers use the format to maintain precise layouts across different computers and printers. Over time, newer formats like .PDF have become more prevalent, but professional printing workflows and graphic design environments still use PS files.
The primary benefits of PostScript are its ability to accurately preserve page layouts and scale images and text without loss of quality. However, the format is not as widely supported by general software today, making it more difficult for casual users to view or edit PS files. Additionally, PostScript files can be large and complex, which increases processing and loading times.
How to open a PS file
You can open a PS file with various applications, including Adobe Illustrator (multiplatform), Adobe Acrobat (multiplatform), and GSView (multiplatform). To open a PS file with Adobe Acrobat, select File → Open... .
NOTE: If you are a Mac user, you can also view PS files with Apple Preview , which is bundled with macOS.
How to convert a PS file
Various applications, including Adobe Illustrator, ACD Systems ACDSee, and Apple Preview, can convert PS files to other formats.
For example, Adobe Illustrator can convert PS files to many file types, including the following formats:
Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus . Free Download
Programs that open PS files
Sort
Pricing
Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
Adobe Illustrator 2025
Free Trial
Adobe Acrobat DC
Free Trial
Adobe Photoshop 2025
Free Trial
Canvas GFX Canvas X Pro
Free Trial
ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio
Free Trial
GSView
Free
GPL Ghostscript
Free
Mac
Apple Preview
Included with OS
Adobe Illustrator 2025
Free Trial
Adobe Acrobat DC
Free Trial
Adobe Photoshop 2025
Free Trial
Linux
Evince
Included with OS
GSView
Free
Category: Vector Image Files
Updated: October 8, 2025