Brand new to Inkscape (1.4) and I am trying to load an EPS file. I have downloaded and installed Ghostscript 10.05.1 and this version appears to update the Path environment variables automatically. The machine has been rebooted.
When I try to open the file OR import a file, the file dialog does not show any .eps files. If I select "all files" and select a .eps file, I get the "Failed to load ..." message. This occurs in the Open... or Import... function.
I have downloaded sample EPS files as well, for testing, with the same result.
I have Ghostscript open and running, but I don't know if that is necessary, as it appears it is a library, like a DLL.
I had a previous version of Ghostscript (9.xx) which is now deleted and the only GS related path variable listed is to 10.05.1
Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong, or what step I have missed? Any help is much appreciated.
I'm not seeing an entry for C:\Program Files\gs\gs10.05.1\lib. Both the .lib and .bin paths need to be included.
: As per the FAQ:
"Add C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.16\lib (or whatever it is on your machine) to the list. You will also need to add the Ghostscript bin directory, which will be the same as the lib directory, but ending in bin rather than lib — for example: C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.16\bin.
In Windows 10, for some reason, Inkscape sometimes doesn't like the paths at the bottom of the list. Near the "New" button are "Move Up" and "Move Down" buttons. So if you still can't open EPS files after installing Ghostscript, you can try moving the 2 paths up in the list. Try moving them up halfway or more. "
Thanks very much, I missed that difference between \lib and \bin. I was surprised when I saw the path already there, after GS was installed, and I did the unthinkable and assumed. RTFM :-(
OK, thinks are looking up a bit. Adding the /lib path now has both Inkscape and Gimp recognizing .eps files in the Open... dialog, but both fail to load. I don't yet fully understand the orientation dialog box but I tried all combinations. I tried it with two different EPS files, one large ~13M and one small ~500k.
I ran the large eps through an online viewer and it appears to be valid. It visually matches the accompanying .jpg that came in the zip file.
Not sure if this is related, but sometimes Inkscape opens with the splash screen and sometimes in the drawing mode. In the drawing mode, it usually crashes, with a non-specific Visual C++ Runtime Library error regarding unusual termination. In the next attempt or two, it returns to the splash screen, and I can get to a stable drawing mode.
I appreciate the support. Any ideas for next steps?
The removal of all Inkscape files and installation of 1.3.2 did not change anything.
I find it curious that Gimp has the same problem, which would point to an o/s or GS problem, or my machine is possessed. I did get one bizarre kernel32.dll (CopyFile2) error during my efforts, but I didn't note where. I think I'm going to try installing on a clean desktop Win10 machine and then re-install / upgrade the o/s on my laptop. I would like Inkscape 1.4 and Gimp 3.0 so perhaps it's time for a new laptop.
Beyond the Basics Loading EPS file
Inkscape.org
Hello All,
Brand new to Inkscape (1.4) and I am trying to load an EPS file. I have downloaded and installed Ghostscript 10.05.1 and this version appears to update the Path environment variables automatically. The machine has been rebooted.
When I try to open the file OR import a file, the file dialog does not show any .eps files. If I select "all files" and select a .eps file, I get the "Failed to load ..." message. This occurs in the Open... or Import... function.
I have downloaded sample EPS files as well, for testing, with the same result.
I have Ghostscript open and running, but I don't know if that is necessary, as it appears it is a library, like a DLL.
I had a previous version of Ghostscript (9.xx) which is now deleted and the only GS related path variable listed is to 10.05.1
Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong, or what step I have missed? Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks
Bob
Please share a screenshot of your environmental variables window, showing where the path includes the gs strings.
I'm not seeing an entry for C:\Program Files\gs\gs10.05.1\lib. Both the .lib and .bin paths need to be included.
: As per the FAQ:
"Add C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.16\lib (or whatever it is on your machine) to the list.
You will also need to add the Ghostscript bin directory, which will be the same as the lib directory, but ending in bin rather than lib — for example: C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.16\bin.
In Windows 10, for some reason, Inkscape sometimes doesn't like the paths at the bottom of the list. Near the "New" button are "Move Up" and "Move Down" buttons. So if you still can't open EPS files after installing Ghostscript, you can try moving the 2 paths up in the list. Try moving them up halfway or more. "
https://inkscape.org/learn/faq/
Mine looks like this:
Thanks very much, I missed that difference between \lib and \bin. I was surprised when I saw the path already there, after GS was installed, and I did the unthinkable and assumed. RTFM :-(
I will make the changes and let you know.
OK, thinks are looking up a bit. Adding the /lib path now has both Inkscape and Gimp recognizing .eps files in the Open... dialog, but both fail to load. I don't yet fully understand the orientation dialog box but I tried all combinations. I tried it with two different EPS files, one large ~13M and one small ~500k.
I ran the large eps through an online viewer and it appears to be valid. It visually matches the accompanying .jpg that came in the zip file.
Not sure if this is related, but sometimes Inkscape opens with the splash screen and sometimes in the drawing mode. In the drawing mode, it usually crashes, with a non-specific Visual C++ Runtime Library error regarding unusual termination. In the next attempt or two, it returns to the splash screen, and I can get to a stable drawing mode.
I appreciate the support. Any ideas for next steps?
Cheers,
Bob
BTW I am running Win7
Which Inkscape installer was used... .exe, .msi, other?
inkscape-1.4_2024-10-11_86a8ad7-x64.msi
Thanks,
Bob
There is one similar bug report, but it looks like user error to me. https://gitlab.com/inkscape/inbox/-/issues/8745
I suggest uninstalling Inkscape and delete the directory ../users/username/AppData/Roaming/Inkscape. I would not remove GS.
Then, install Inkscape v 1.3.2 using the .msi installer. https://inkscape.org/release/1.3.2/windows/
The removal of all Inkscape files and installation of 1.3.2 did not change anything.
I find it curious that Gimp has the same problem, which would point to an o/s or GS problem, or my machine is possessed. I did get one bizarre kernel32.dll (CopyFile2) error during my efforts, but I didn't note where. I think I'm going to try installing on a clean desktop Win10 machine and then re-install / upgrade the o/s on my laptop. I would like Inkscape 1.4 and Gimp 3.0 so perhaps it's time for a new laptop.
Thank you for all your help.
Bob