Error Message
Encapsulated PostScript image Message
Error starting Ghostscript. Make sure that Ghostscript is installed and if necessary – use the environment variable GS_PROG to tell GIMP about its location. (Failed to execute child process (No such file or directory))
Encapsulated PostScript image message
Could not interpret ‘image_example.eps’
GIMP Message
Opening ‘image_example.eps’ failed: Enscapsulated PostScript image plug-In could not open image
Screenshot – GIMP v2.4.6 on Windows Vista SP1
Solution
Instructions for Windows Vista
Requirements: Ghostscript installed
- If GIMP is running, close the application.
- Press Windows-Key+Pause/Break keys (Control Panel -> System).
- Left mouse click on “Advanced system settings” (system properties).
- Left mouse click on “Environment Variables..”.
- Left mouse click on “New…”.
- Enter the following information (without double quotes) for Variable Name: “GS_PROG” and Variable value: “C:\Program Files\Utilities\gs\gs8.61\bin\gswin32.exe”. Replace the path and file name with your location and current version of Ghostscript installed.
- Left mouse click on “Ok”.
- Left mouse click on “Ok”.
- Left mouse click on “Ok”.
- Load GIMP and open EPS files.
Source: GIMP Plugin Registry: Problem opening .eps files
Source: Download Ghostscript
Thanks for this useful information. It solved my GIMP EPS file problem.
Glad I could help.
I have similar error messages re.opening eps files in GIMP but I’m running XP. Would instructions be the same?
Works like a charm on my XP pro box.
Thanks,
G
Excellent–just the information I needed to get EPS working in the GIMP in XP. The only other thing I’d add to your explanation is an explanation of the difference between gswin32.exe and gswin32c.exe, and which to use (if you have a strong opinion).
Thank you very much!
I’ve never gotten this to work, and I’ve tried it multiple times on multiple computers (XP and Vista). What does work for me is copying all of the files from the gs\…\bin directory to GIMP’s \bin.
I always add the variable for all users, not just myself; I don’t know if that has anything to do with it.
This is wonderful. I followed all the above advice (as well as the similar advice given on the GIMP forum). What I found out was that nothing worked until I did what Nick S. suggested. Just copy the GS install into the GIMP directory in the appropriate folders. I also had to remove the GS_PROG environmental variable to get it to work. Viola!
Thanks a heap, worked exactly as it should!
I used to be able to open .eps in GiMP, but no longer. I’ve tried all the suggestions to no avail. I am using GiMP 2.6.6 on XP and GS 8.64.
tried GIMP 2.6.6 and GS8.64 on several machines. Enviroment Variable not worked but removing enviroment variable and copy GS bin folder to GIMP bin folder has now worked
Thanks for having such an insightful view on this topic. Adding you to my feed reader right now.
Awesome, fixed it for 64-bit GIMP 2.6.8 and gs 8.64 on a Win 7 machine. It also fixes opening .ai files, not just .eps
Thank you so much! Works for me now.
What do you mean by the instruction: Replace the path and file name with your location and current version of Ghostscript installed.
I’ve had some issues getting it to work, maybe because of the folder name: “Program Files (x86)”… then tried it with the old 8.3 filename: PROGRA~1 and no quotes around the whole bit at it worked fine… (old dirnames can be found with dir /x).
Generates thanks per assisting average person.
Thanks. That helped!
Thank you very much. Clear, detailed instructions welcome.
I have literally tried every way to do this that I can find on the web & I’m going on day 5 now with attempt after attempt to no avail. I currently have installed Gimpshop 2.6.11 with Ghostscript 9.04 on Windows 7 System. I’m using for 32bit & GS_PROG User Variables are set to C:\Program Files(x86)\gs\gs9.04\bin\gswin32.exe but I just keep getting errors. I have tried every other which way but nothing seems to work!