Convert Illustrator CC EPS to CS6 EPS
More and more these days I'm having to convert Illustrator CC EPS to CS6 version of Illustrator (or earlier). I'm being extremely stubborn about not upgrading to Creative Cloud - I want to still be able to use my licensed software without paying Adobe hand over fist every month. Anyway, that was my mini rant - back to the matter at hand.
Option #01 You’ll need Acrobat Pro
If you have an EPS file that's too new to open in CS6 or earlier, just open it in Acrobat Pro (assuming you have it) and then save it as a PDF file. Now you should be able to open the PDF in older versions of Illustrator. The main problem with this approach is that you will lose any layers from the original file - but it will get you out of a tight spot.
This should also work with AI files
Having tested EPS files, I tried an experiment of my own. I opened a CS6 AI file in Acrobat and saved it as a PDF. I then imported the PDF into Illustrator CS5. After agreeing with the dialogue box warning me that it was created in a newer version, it imported the file (almost) perfectly - but again, without the inclusion of the layers.
Option #02 Place in Illustrator and Embed
I feel pretty stupid adding this option so long after first writing this article... but there's a much better way to open a CC EPS in Illustrator CS6. In Illustrator, go FILE / PLACE... Select the CC EPS file and place it into your document. Then click the EMBED button that has appeared in the Control window. This will expand the placed file - you’ll then be able to save the document as a operfectly serviceable EPS file.
Resources & More Information
