Learning EPS (Encapsulated Post Script) for Creating Puzzle Images

I found that it's easier to create a puzzle than to create a puzzle image. I use the Excel file to create a puzzle file. But if you know EPS, creating puzzle images becomes very easy. This is the old post, which I am republishing again for the benefit of the people who want to learn E(PS).

Here is the step for learning (E)PS to create Puzzle Images. 

Thanks to Deb for this information.

Step 1: Install a viewer and an interpreter for PS (PostScript).

Viewer: GSView

Interpreter GhostScript: You don't need it right away, but better to download it. You can download it from the same location.

There is also other software to view PS/EPS files. This is the best I've found.

Once you install this software, you can double-click on any PS file to view it in GSView.

You have to learn how to write the program in PS for different kinds of Images (Puzzles). (This is Step4)

Step 2: Create an EPS file (Encapsulated PostScript)

You need to create the EPS file from the PS file. The only difference between EPS and PS is, in simple terms, EPS also tells the coordinates of the picture in the PS file.

From GSView, you can select Menu -> File -> PS to EPS. Answer "Yes" to all questions. Your EPS file is generated. (You can do a diff between the PS file and the EPS file to see what I mean in the above statement).

Step 3: Create a puzzle PDF file

In a Word Document, you can write the puzzle instruction. Then Menu Insert->Picture-> From File. Select the EPS file you generated.

If the PS is well-written and you are using MSWord 2000+, you should be able to see a preview of the EPS file. (So this is another way of viewing an EPS file).

Make sure that the text and the Image are properly aligned.

Print into your pdf driver. You are all set.

Step 4: Learn PS.

This is like learning any language. The best thing is that PS is very easy and fun to learn. You should be able to write your first usable PS program in 8 to 10 hours. The worst part is the syntax is stack-based. If you are used to writing in C-like languages, you will find it pretty odd.

This will be an ongoing process.

Step 5: Writing Re-Usable PS code and Improving PS programming style. Again this will be an ongoing process. You can write your PS program such that you change it minimally to create a different puzzle and a different image.