Generating Photoshop EPS with Raster Image and Clipping Path (Python/JavaScript)

Question

Hello Photoshop community,

Our studio specializes in creating product packshots, and we're looking to automate the process of generating Photoshop EPS files with embedded raster images and clipping paths.

Workflow:

We capture product photos and create an optimized alpha channel (black/white mask) for each image.
From the alpha channel, we generate an SVG path, which will serve as the clipping path.
We need to combine the rasterized product image with the SVG path into a Photoshop-compatible EPS file.
We do this programmatically with a GUI where the user inputs the image, alpha channel and clipping path are automatically created. Then the GUI creates a Photoshop EPS file and returns it to the user.

The Problem:

We're facing difficulties generating EPS files that Photoshop can correctly interpret. We've tried various approaches, but consistently encounter these issues:

Issue 1: Missing Clipping Path in Photoshop:
- The EPS file opens in Photoshop and displays the rasterized image correctly.
- However, the clipping path is not visible or recognized.
- When the same EPS file is opened in Illustrator, both the image and the clipping path are present and functional.
Issue 2: PostScript Error:
- Photoshop fails to open the EPS file, displaying a generic PostScript error message.

Technical Details:

We are working on automating this process using either Python or JavaScript.
We are able to create an Illustrator compatible EPS or SVG file, but we need a Photoshop compatible EPS.
We need the EPS to contain a raster image and a vector clipping path.
We need to generate these files programmatically without opening Photoshop.

Specific Questions:

Photoshop EPS Structure: Is there any official or community documentation detailing the required structure of a Photoshop-compatible EPS file, particularly regarding embedded raster images and clipping paths?
Clipping Path Syntax: What specific PostScript or EPS syntax does Photoshop require for clipping paths to be recognized?
Language-Specific Guidance: Are there any known libraries or code examples (Python or JavaScript) that can reliably generate Photoshop EPS files with these requirements?
Common Pitfalls: Are there any common pitfalls or known limitations when generating EPS files for Photoshop programmatically?

Any insights, resources, or code examples would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your assistance!

Sincerely,

Jasper

Stephen Marsh · Answer

@jasper_7571

We need to generate these files programmatically without opening Photoshop.

I can only comment on ExtendScript/JavaScript. As the scripting host environment, Photoshop has to be open to execute the script.

The creation of a path from a selection created from an alpha channel is certainly possible, however, the quality of the path is another story.

Same for saving as a Photoshop EPS, that is easy enough.

Is there a reason why you need an old-school clipping path and EPS file? Why can't you use raster transparency and a modern file format such as PSD or PDF?

Here's an example script for creating paths from alphas:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/script-get-pathpoint-from-channel-selection/m-p/13968783

You can use DOM code to set a path as a clipping path:

https://theiviaxx.github.io/photoshop-docs/Photoshop/PathItem/makeClippingPath.html

Or you can use AM code:

setClippingPath(2);

function setClippingPath(flatness) {
	var s2t = function (s) {
		return app.stringIDToTypeID(s);
	};
	var descriptor = new ActionDescriptor();
	var descriptor2 = new ActionDescriptor();
	var reference = new ActionReference();
	var reference2 = new ActionReference();
	reference.putProperty( s2t( "path" ), s2t( "clippingPath" ));
	descriptor.putReference( s2t( "null" ), reference );
	reference2.putEnumerated( s2t( "path" ), s2t( "ordinal" ), s2t( "targetEnum" ));
	descriptor2.putReference( s2t( "path" ), reference2 );
	descriptor2.putDouble( s2t( "flatness" ), flatness );
	descriptor.putObject( s2t( "to" ), s2t( "clippingPathEPS" ), descriptor2 );
	executeAction( s2t( "set" ), descriptor, DialogModes.NO );
}

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