Maintain Vector Gradients in CorelDRAW EPS Export

Exporting designs from CorelDRAW to EPS often results in vector fountain fills (gradients) being rasterized into low-resolution bitmaps or split into visible banding strips. This article outlines the specific CorelDRAW EPS export parameters required to preserve clean, scalable vector gradients, explains why certain gradient types trigger rasterization, and details how to configure PostScript settings for optimal output.

1. Set Compatibility to PostScript Level 3

The most critical setting for preserving vector gradients is the PostScript level:

  • In the EPS Export dialog, navigate to the General tab.
  • Locate the Compatibility or PostScript Level dropdown.
  • Select PostScript 3.

PostScript Level 1 and Level 2 do not natively support smooth gradient meshes or fountain fills, forcing CorelDRAW to convert gradients into raster images or stepped geometric strips. PostScript Level 3 natively supports PostScript smooth shading dictionaries, allowing vector gradients to render cleanly across different RIPs (Raster Image Processors) and vector editors.

2. Configure Fountain Fill Settings

CorelDRAW allows you to define how fountain fills are rendered during export:

  • Under the Advanced tab of the EPS Export dialog, check the Fountain Steps setting.
  • Ensure the export is not configured to render fills as bitmaps. If prompted, set fountain steps to the maximum value (256) or enable Smooth Shading if available in your version.
  • Avoid selecting options such as "Rasterize entire document" or "Convert complex fills to bitmaps."

3. Eliminate Transparency on Gradients

The Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) specification is an older format that does not natively support true alpha transparency.

  • If a gradient contains an opacity mask, lens effect, or CorelDRAW Transparency Tool application, the software will automatically flatten and rasterize that specific object to preserve its visual appearance.
  • To keep the gradient as pure vector data, remove any transparency applied to the fountain fill. If a fade-to-background effect is needed, build the gradient by transitioning from the primary color to the background color using solid swatches rather than an opacity slider.

4. Manage Color Modes Consistently

Mixing color spaces can force rasterization during EPS compilation:

  • In the Color tab of the EPS Export dialog, set your output color mode to either CMYK or RGB, matching your original document setup.
  • Set the Color Management option to output native vectors without applying on-the-fly raster color conversions.

Summary Checklist for Vector EPS Export

  1. Go to File > Export and choose EPS - Encapsulated PostScript.
  2. Set PostScript Level to Level 3.
  3. Under Advanced, ensure gradients are not designated to export as bitmaps.
  4. Remove all interactive transparency effects from gradient-filled objects prior to exporting.
  5. Export and verify the resulting file by opening it in a vector editor to confirm the paths and gradient vectors remain unrasterized.