jpeg2ps - convert JPEG compressed images to PostScript Level 2 or 3

jpeg2ps [-a] [-b] [-h] [-o name ] [-p size ] [-q] [-r dpi ] file.jpg > file.eps

jpeg2ps reads a JPEG file (not stdin) and writes a DSC-compliant EPS file containing the compressed JPEG data in PostScript format to stdout. The produced EPS files contain the necessary DSC comments including BoundingBox, so they may be imported in page layout applications. However, they do not contain preview images, so you will only see a gray box on screen.

The jpeg2ps program performs some sanity checks with the JPEG data. It detects several kinds of corrupt input data, but it is not absolutely foolproof. One special feature is that you can feed Macintosh JPEG files (PICT-JPEG) to jpeg2ps. These normally have several hundred bytes of additional stuff before the JPEG data. This PICT rubbish is simply ignored by jpeg2ps.

-a

Auto rotate feature. If the auto rotate feature is activated, images with width > height are automatically rotated to landscape mode. The image is scaled in a way to use at least one full edge of the paper. A 20 pt margin is subtracted on each side. Page sizes can be chosen with the -p option. The default page size is letter or a4, depending on the compilation flags. Don't use this option if you simply want to generate EPS files for inclusion in your documents.

-b

Binary mode. By default, jpeg2ps sends the image data in ASCII85 encoded form which is suitable for any communication channel (serial, parallel or whatever). If you are sure that your channel is truly 8-bit clean, you can force 8-bit data with this option. Note that this normally does not apply to 8-bit serial or even parallel channels since some control characters are reserved for the communications protocol. You can use binary data e.g.: with some networked printers, with direct-access PostScript interpreters, e.g. Ghostscript, or serial and parallel channels using Binary Control Protocol (BCP).

-h

Hex mode (ASCIIHex encoding). Using this option, jpeg2ps generates 7-bit clean data by using ASCIIHex encoding instead of the more space-efficient ASCII85 encoding. This is only useful for specialized applications, e.g. for debugging, since jpeg2ps requires PostScript Level 2 anyway, and ASCII85 is supported in any Level 2 interpreter.

-o name

Output file name (as an alternative to output redirection).

-p size

Page size name. Known names are: a0, a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, b5, letter, legal, ledger, p11x17

-q

Quiet mode: suppress all informational messages

-r dpi

Resolution value. Using this option you can force jpeg2ps to use a certain dpi value. Since automatic actions are also disabled in this case, you are responsible for choosing a reasonable resolution value. For example, you can print a 300 dpi image half-sized by supplying -r 600. The option "-r 0" instructs jpeg2ps to look for a JFIF density/resolution marker and use that value. Automatic scaling and rotation are disabled. However, if no resolution information is found in the file, jpeg2ps applies the default algorithm described above.

The jpeg2ps program issues three kinds of messages:

Notes

Have an informational character.

Warnings

A potential problem with the file was recognized, processing continues.

Errors

Either a severe problem within the JPEG file was found or the file explores JPEG features not compatible with PostScript Level 2.

Note that there are some JPEG producers which do not exactly conform to the specification and that the JPEG spec itself does not cover every aspect of the file format. You are on the safe side if you demand JFIF files which are happily accepted by jpeg2ps. (For further information see the JPEG FAQ by Tom Lane.)

My book contains a lot of information on PostScript, Fonts, and PDF (currently only available in German):

Die PostScript- & PDF-Bibel
Von Thomas Merz und Olaf Druemmer
654 Seiten, ISBN 3-935320-01-9
Kopublikation PDFlib GmbH/dpunkt Verlag
http://www.pdflib.com/bibel
e-mail orders: books@pdflib.com

Thomas Merz <tm@pdflib.com>
http://www.pdflib.com

This software is free. You are granted the right to use and copy it. This software may not be sold or bundled with any commercial package without express written permission of the author.

The author accepts no responsibility for damages resulting from the use of this software and makes no warranty, either express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This software is provided as is, and you assume all risks when using it.