File Export Settings

Different Export Setting

Save as AI (Adobe Illustrator File)

• Ideal if you plan to work on the project again;
• Compatible with other Adobe software (e.g., After Effects, InDesign) if Create PDF Compatible File is checked;
• Option to save each artboard separately;
• Offers backward compatibility with older versions.

Save as EPS

• A widely compatible older format preferred by print houses;
• Larger file size but highly compatible with various software and machines.

Save as PDF

• Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities allows future editing but increases file size; uncheck if size or security is a concern;
• Compression settings enable bitmap image compression;
• Downsampling to 72 PPI is recommended for digital display.

Export As

• A simple export option for common formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, SVG, Photoshop);
• Useful for quick, straightforward exports.

Export for Screens

• Useful for exporting multiple artboards or assets;
• Supports export at different scales (e.g., 1x, 2x, 3x);
• Ability to add prefixes and control size for each export.

Save for Web

• Designed for web or mobile application exports;
• Supports formats like GIF, JPEG, and PNG (8-bit and 24-bit);
• Provides control over image size, quality, and file size;
• Offers detailed settings for web optimization.

General Tips

• Use 72 PPI for digital exports, higher PPI for print;
• PNG is ideal for web designs with transparency, while JPEG works well for images;
• Save settings or presets to streamline future exports.

Slice Tool

The Slice Tool

• Divides your artboard or design into multiple parts (slices);
• Click and drag to create custom slices, and Illustrator will automatically generate slices for the rest of the artboard.

Exporting Slices

• Multiple slices are created, which can be exported separately or together;
• In the Export for Web window, use the Slice Select Tool to choose which slices to export.

Export Options

• Export All Slices: exports the entire artboard as divided;
• Export All User Slices: exports only the slices you manually created;
• Export Selected Slices: exports only the specific slices you select.

Use of Slices

• Slices are beneficial for web and mobile app design, allowing developers to integrate small sections into their code for optimized performance.

Export Settings for Printing

Printing Preparation Guidelines

• Set Document to CMYK Mode: ensures accurate printing colors;
• Bleed: Prevents white edges by extending design elements beyond the artboard's edges.

Setting Bleed

• Go to File > Document Setup and set a bleed (e.g., 5mm on each side), or set it while creating a new document;
• Objects near the edges of the artboard should be extended into the bleed area to ensure proper trimming after printing.

Exporting for Printing

• Save the file as AI format or export it as PDF depending on the printing house's requirements;
• When exporting as PDF, ensure to check Marks and Bleeds and select "Use Document Bleed Settings";
• Enable printer marks (trim marks) to assist with precise cutting during printing.