Can't edit text of Shutterstock EPS files

[gooberHead]

I downloaded an EPS image from Shutterstock assuming that I'd be able to replace the placeholder Latin text with my own words via Illustrator. Since then, I've learned from both StackExchange and this forum that the text in Shutterstock images is actually an uneditable "outline" and there's therefore no easy way to replace the sample text with useable text, nor is there a way to reverse-engineer which fonts/sizes were used in the original. This obviously makes Shutterstock images a lot less useful (glad I didn't subscribe!).

Are there any other Shutterstock-like services out there that sell stock EPS images that actually allow you to edit the text?

Attached is a screenshot of the EPS file that I downloaded:

As you can see from the image, I'm just trying to find an aesthetically appealing template for use on a web site that illustrates "three easy steps." I have no graphic design experience. I do have a trial of Illustrator though. Can you point me in the right direction?

[rcraighead]

It is assumed you would just delete the outline text and create your own text block. You can do this, in fact you could create the look from scratch with very little effort. Since you've already bought this, I'd just replace the text using the "Area Type tool" and you'll be done in no time.

I would suggest selecting the current outlined text and locking it in place using keyboard shortcut: Cmd-2 (Cntl-2 on PC). Then get the Area Type tool and drag a rectangle over the existing text. This creates a bounding box that your new text will "wrap" in as you type or paste from the clipboard.

When you have created one "step" duplicate all the text boxes by holding the "Option/Alt" key and dragging them horizontally. Also hold "Shift" to constrain the drag to horizontal.

This is not hard, you can do it.

[gooberHead]

Thanks. Everything you says makes sense.

What I'm struggling with is selecting the existing "outline" text so that I can delete it. Presumably I need to select it before I can delete it. The problem is that each letter of text is its own selectable object. What I want to do is select an entire block of text, without selecting the background, and delete it. Then perhaps I can use the AreaType tool you mentioned to type something new.

But for now, I can't even figure out how to select the pre-existing text blocks without either selecting the background (which I want to retain) by accident or selecting one letter at a time.

Sorry for my ignorance. I'm trying, I really am.

[gooberHead]

Oh, I just discovered the Layers tool. Although each letter is in fact treated as its own object, they are gathered together in "groups" in the layer panel. By clicking the eyeball at the group level, I can make the text invisible! I think I'm on the right track now.

[Silkrooster]

You can drag the layers to the trash can or click the trash can after you select the layers.

[jeto38878512]

hi, do you perhaps know if  you can also do this with Adobe Image Ready CS2? If I try it there with the Type tool, the standard text stays...

[rcraighead]

If the outlined text is on a specific layer you should be able to delete the layer in ImageReady (I don't have ImageReady for testing).

[Silkrooster]

Image ready is a version of Photoshop. The text tool is identical to that of Photoshop.

All eps, pdf's and any other vector graphics would be rasterized when opened in Photoshop. Therefore any editable text would no longer be editable and would be part of the image.

Which means you would have to select that area and fill it with the background color then using the text tool create new text.

This kind of defeats the purpose since you would be creating the text from scratch.

[jeto38878512]

Okey, txs, so that means the only way to do it is by using Adobe Illustrator?

[Monika Gause]

Most probably the text in the EPS is converted to paths anyway. AFAIK Shutterstock demands that text is converted to paths before uploading (while still edvertising their files as "fully editable").

[Silkrooster]

This makes sense since most fonts are copyrighted. Therefore can not be included.

[Monika Gause]

Then just don't include fonts. Illustrator will apply whatever is present on user's computer and people can just go on editing the text and don't have to worry about "can I edit it? How can I edit it? How do I even select it in order to delete it?" Makes more sense to me than outlining the text.

[Silkrooster]

Only if you can get past that fact. Some people can not. They need to know where to find font xyz because it says so.

The better option is to provide both files. But that takes up server space.

[Manjula1092]

I am also facing a same issue..

[Monika Gause]

Manjula1092 schrieb:

I am also facing a same issue..

Which issue?

[Manjula1092]

I was telling that, I too faced the issue, couldn't edit the texts in the eps file purchased in Shutterstock. Today I got cleared with shutter stock support center that, their eps file texts couldn't be edited since they are outlines. We could replace the text with our own texts.

[BalboaTech]

Really disappointing (Shutterstock). So expensive... To get a business card template where the designer NAILED it with the fonts but not to even have a mention which fonts were used in the EPS' internal file info? Then when asked about tracking it down, Support says to go google it. Google what?! I have no clue what font that could be or how to track it down and it just seems rude to tell someone to google it who already feels mislead, disappointed and even worse, has nothing to go on. They could have just mentioned users are on their own with that kind of thing... Well, a subscription is too expensive anyway... I mostly just wanted to play around for the fun of it.

[rcraighead]

• Screen capture the text portion of the file, or otherwise create a PNG or JPG of it.
• Go to a site such as WhatTheFont! « MyFonts
• Follow the instructions

This is not a perfect solution, but may help find the font you're looking for.

[BalboaTech]

@rcraighead Great idea. Where has that tool been all my life? It's certainly worth a try, thanks!

@Mike, Good idea. I've tried so many people already but it can't hurt to try. Is there a good particular place/section for that kind of question as far as anyone knows?

Thanks again guys.

[MW Design]

Just post a decent screen shot here.

Mike

[MW Design]

Upload a screen capture here. Never know, someone here just might know.

Mike

[baadtaste]

The font looks like it could be Myriad

[shahahm61521455]

Hi

You need to download the original file as a vector not as image (JPEG) !