output esp using Ghostscript

Inkscape does not use Ghostscript for _exporting_ to EPS/PS - this is handled by internal routines (with the help of the cairo graphics library).

Ghostscript is needed for _opening_ PS/EPS files in Inkscape: a PostScript file (ps or EPS) is converted on-the-fly to a PDF file with ps2pdf from Ghostscript, and then the PDF is loaded using again internal routines based on the poppler and cairo libs).

> The program appears to work fine but the engraving
> software that reads ESP files says the file is corrupted.

One possible cause (if the files opens in Inkscape after having Ghostscript properly installed) might be, that you had used filter effects (e.g. blurs or layer blend modes) or transparencies in any form (gradients fading into transparent, fill or stroke transparency, or reduced opacity for objects or layers):
The PostScript language does not support transparency at all, nor does it have a native equivalent to SVG filter effects. Inkscape hence rasterizes objects which have such transparencies or filter effects applied, and embeds the bitmap image into the PostScript file. It might be that the engraving software does not handle PostScript files with such embedded bitmap images and insists on pure vector-based files?

It is difficult though to guess why exporting to PS/EPS fails for you and creates files which other software fails to load: maybe you could share an example SVG file which doesn't export properly - using a service like DropBox, or the free image hosting service <http://imgh.us> which accepts and serves SVG files [1] - so that the issue could be investigated more closely?

Do you have any detailed specifications from the engraving software e.g. which PostScript language levels it supports, or any additional information about import features provided by the manufacturer?

And could you provide info about the OS/platform you are using?

[1] Unfortunately the 'Answers' section of launchpad.net doesn't allow attachments.

Well first off thanks for taking the time t try to help. I have been working this problem on and off for over a year with you being my first bit of sun shine. So thanks ...

Here is some background:
I own an old (12 years) engraving system that makes plastic signs. The software and controls are by a company names Zenetech. the software version is 6.21 They have long past stop support for this and want $1000 plus for the new version that they are not sure will work on my old system. If I were in the sign biz, then maybe I would upgrade but not for the little bit of church and local fire department work I do.

Anyway: the computer I am using(that came with the system) is running windows 98. the systems works fine except when I go to import logos. it list the following file formats: .dxf .eps .hgl .log .dat .dwg .dxf .phf wmf

I have only had some luck working with .esp files. The software says it will only work with ( .DXF) autocad ver 12 and it also says that every .WMF file I have tried is not a Windows Metafile. I am guessing it is looking for an older verion of that file type also.

====

I would be happy to share or send you a few sample files but the link you suggested will not take ESP or XLG files. Here is the SVG file: http://imgh.us/inkscape_SVG.svg

I would like to send you the ESP of the same logo and also an example of a logo that the engraving software make when it makes a logo. of course it would not be the same image.

Thanks again for your time and insight!

Carl