How to save an illustration to jpg. Saving vector illustrations in Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator provides us with ample opportunities for drawing, but the more complex the tools used, the greater the risk for printing. To prevent this from happening, you need to follow simple rules when creating and saving vector files for further use in creating printed products.

In this Adobe Illustrator tutorial, we won't go into anatomical details like color profiles and five-ink printing. Our task is simply to learn how to decide how to save the image, depending on the drawing technique.

So, even the simplest vector image requires some nuances to be taken into account immediately at the stage of file creation. If you prefer not to convert strokes to objects, so as not to increase the number of nodes and, accordingly, the processing time of the file, do not forget to check the box in the transformation palette that will scale the strokes along with the image. The same goes for brushes.

If the illustration contains black outlines, they should be 100% black, without any admixtures of other colors. The thickness of the contours should not be less than 0.1 mm, but it is better to set it from 0.15 mm and more. A large area of the image filled with black, on the contrary, must be "blended", that is, contain colors other than black, otherwise the background will be dull. The total density of composite black depends on the profile of a particular printing house, and when the artist is unknown, it is customary to keep within the sum of 300%.

If the work is created for replication and contains a background that fits to the very edges of the timeline, then it is advisable to slightly extend the background beyond the boundaries of what was conceived: as a rule, 3 mm around the perimeter. Otherwise, the illustration may simply be cropped, the margins for graphic images they are not always present in modular grids. At the same time, you don't need to fence any garden with rulers and guides, Illustrator makes it possible to easily fly out of the cut lines and save the pre-cut format by writing PDF with the appropriate setting.

How to work with blues and greens in preparation for printing

Typically, illustrators with little printing experience have problems with green and blue fills. These colors, their shades, most of all lose their attractiveness when printed in CMYK mode. Below you can see an example of what happens with blue and green.

How to be? You just need to be able to deceive the human eye. The fact that the same color looks different on dark, white and low-contrast backgrounds has been known to every artist since his school years. Think carefully about the color scheme. In addition, and their skillful use will make a person "think out" graphic information and see your artwork brighter and more attractive than the four-color print shows. When your chosen graphic style allows you to apply gradients - use it.

If a technically simple image can be written in EPS or PDF formats and safely sent to print, then the use of transparencies in combination with gradients, artistic brushes, patterns, transparency masks, raster effects requires more careful preparation. When the printing house is known in advance, all the nuances can be learned from the technologist. Ideally, you will simply accept a ready-made illustration, written in EPS from version 9 and higher, or PDF 1.4. Saving files in the named formats allows you to open them through Illustrator in their "original" form and easily edit. And modern hardware and software are loyal to transparency.

But when the further fate of the file cannot be traced, many prefer to play it safe. The good old barbaric way to write such an illustration is to save it in EPS version 8. In this case, even radial gradients will be saved as masks, into which the raster is placed. If this phenomenon does not bother you, feel free to use it. With this, it will already be difficult to create anything not only on RIP, but in general anywhere. However, be sure to keep the original vector image.

Another, more gentle way for the vector is to flatten transparencies. Flattening separates the overlapping areas as separate objects. Schematically: instead of two intersecting objects with transparencies, you will get three opaque ones, the object obtained from the intersection area will be painted in the appropriate color. When preparing the file, it is advisable to enable the Overprint Preview function (Veiw menu).

Flattening affects both the objects with transparencies themselves, and those on which they are superimposed. What is on the layer above is not subject to mixing. When using art brushes, textures, text, patterns below transparent areas, you must first execute the Expand command to avoid possible distortion. Please note that this operation increases the number of nodes, which affects the file weight not for the better. Next, we execute the Flatten Transparency command. Look carefully at the settings, Raster \ Vector Balance should be in the extreme right position.

But when gradients in a file are on top of each other with blending modes, don't be seduced by the Raster \ Vector Balance engine twisted towards 100% of the vector: complex areas that cannot be described by PostScript will be rasterized. What else gets rasterized? Using Gaussian Blur and Radial Blur, Applying Drop Shadow, etc. will entail rasterization of some objects.

Do not forbid yourself to use transparencies, you just need to know all the Adobe Illustrator tools well and not be afraid to experiment: sometimes, to create the same shadows, it is enough to use the Blend Tool.

In general, it should be noted that the vector is not an end in itself, in the final analysis, the image will still be rasterized for printing, but the machine will make it incomparably clearer and better than "handmade". Therefore, you should try to keep the vector as much as possible. However, there are times when the size of the printed matter is already finally known and scaling is not required, and the image is an exorbitant number of nodes and textures or a blurred abstract background. Obviously, in such cases it makes no sense to cling to the vector, it is safer to save a high-quality raster.

A special case: glowing abstract backgrounds, which are more convenient to create in RGB, with a simple transfer to CMYK lose half of the information about colors, transparencies and are worthless, and rasterization allows you to save an image, albeit with losses, but not so serious.

You can export your artwork from Illustrator to TIFF format, specifying the model and resolution you want. And you can rasterize it by opening the file in Photoshop, and the modern editor perfectly copes with both PDF and EPS, and with the .ai file directly. One caveat: when requesting for rasterization, in order to avoid the loss of color information, the same color model and the color profile in which the vector file is written (Photoshop itself offers them when opened by default). And only then the file is translated into the desired color space.

This method is useful for large format printing when TIFF format is required, and Illustrator does not allow creating and exporting an image of the required size. By creating illustrations for exhibition stands or outdoor advertising, interior decor, we can safely work in the vector at the scale in which it is convenient for us. When opening a file in Photoshop, simply specify the desired resolution and size in metric units (we act in that order).

If offset requires a resolution of at least 300 ppi (the same default value is usually set for laser printing with reservations), then wide format does not need a large ppi value. Modern plotters will print a high-quality file for outdoor advertising, saved with 24 ppi. For interior printing, you do not need to set a value higher than 150 (as a rule, 96-120) - a higher quality value will not add, but it will increase the file processing time.

It turned out not a big article, but in general terms, this is the minimum that it is desirable to know when doing work for the printing industry. Good luck to all readers!

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If your task is to save High Resolution JPEG in Adobe Illustrator, and he treacherously gives you this: Unable to export at this resolution. Please lower the resolution and try again... Then you have come to the address :) Because now we are going to solve exactly this problem. JPEG with high resolution 300 dpi (300 ppi) may be needed for printing. Also, such files are great for microstocks if the JPEG size is about 25 megapixels. Almost everywhere they take such, even the picky Fotolia. If you do not yet know how to prepare and save vector illustrations for microstock, then this is the place for you -

It is clear that the screen resolution will also work for the drain. 72 dpi with large dimensions in pixels in width and height. In this case, you can simply save the JPEG via Save for Web (Alt + Shift + Ctrl + S)... This option has fields for entering the width and height of the output image. But for those who still want a high resolution JPEG of 300 dpi, this method is not suitable. Remains File> Export... This is where you can choose the resolution. But he often fails if Adobe Illustrator considers that there is not enough RAM to perform an operation. That's when you might see a warning like this.

This is what I am trying to export in Ai CC to a high resolution JPEG of 300 dpi. simple picture... By the way, CS6 illustrator swears in the same way. For example, if the artboard in Illustrator is 1200x1200 px, then exporting at 300 dpi will result in a high-resolution JPEG with 5000x5000 px.

I can suggest two ways to get around this moment, and save a beautiful high-quality JPEG at 300 dpi.

1. Try the previous version of Ai

Everything is simple here. If your version of illustrator refuses to export to JPEG, then take any other version and try it through it.

In my case, Adobe Illustrator CS5 turned out to be more accommodating.

2. Rasterize Ai file via Adobe Photoshop

We throw ai into Photoshop. Do not forget to set 300 dpi, smoothing Anti-aliased and all the other settings you need.

Photoshop will render the vector file. Most likely you will have to wait a while while it works.

I do not exclude that there are still tricky ways :)
If you know such, then share in the comments. We will exchange experiences.

Roman aka dacascas specifically for the blog

How to transfer illustration, website design or UI from Illustrator to Photoshop without using copying as a smart object? At the same time, I want to keep the objects vector after transfer. This should help standard function export to PSD, but is it?

In Illustrator, in the File → Export → PSD menu, there is an option "Write Layers" with the item "Maximum Editability", but the result is random raster layers into which vector objects are turned. It doesn't look like "maximum editing possibilities" in Photoshop.

Despite the export options, the two squares became one raster layer in PSD

Finding a solution

We must fight the Edoub developers injustice. I am looking for Russian-language, Western articles (I come across an interesting 2011 at Turbomilk), lessons, videos on YouTube. Almost everywhere it all boils down to grouping objects in an illustration, sorting by layers (the order in layers is useful for work, not just for export) and further manual rasterization via Object → Rasterize in Illustrator itself or automatically when exporting. But I want to save the objects as vectors in PSD.

Export from AI according to Turbomilk article. Order in groups, layers, but all raster

Illustrator CS6 or higher required

The script checks all objects in the document, regardless of what layer they are on or in a group. When he finds an object with a solid color fill, he applies a Make Compound Shape Action to it. To save vector strokes to objects, you need to apply Object → Path → Outline Stroke.

If you have a group of hundreds of small objects, for example, hair, wool or text converted to curves are drawn with a brush, it is better to combine such elements in the Compound Path with the Cmd + 8 keys (Ctrl on Windows) before executing the script, so that each object, letter did not process separately.

Exceptions

If the file contains objects to which Photoshop effects are applied (shadow, glow, noise, etc.), then they must be manually rasterized in the Type Optimized mode before running the script.

Due to the specificity of some types of objects (gradients, patterns, meshes and a number of others), according to the test results, not all of them can be exported from AI to PSD, remaining vector, but they can be made as separate raster layers without long sorting by groups and layers in Illustrator. For this, another trick is used, the script separately makes a separate group from each such object.

2 squares in AI selected groups after export to PSD

Brief summary

When exporting from AI to PSD, we keep the transparency parameters, layer blending modes.
Using Make Compound Shape allows you to save vector objects to PSD.
Gradients, patterns, meshes, objects with raster effects, shapes with strokes are rasterized.
Converting each rasterized object into a group allows you to save it after export as a separate layer in Photoshop.
Flat icons, UI elements, illustrations - they can be obtained after preparation in PSD file completely in vector form.
Preparing the file with the Ai2Psd script helps to reduce the number of self made for files with big amount objects.

Mateusz Nowak: "Thanks for Ai-to-Psd script!"
Dilyana Aleksandrova: "ai to psd saved my ass at work man, thank you for sharing it!"
Weyn Cueva: “This is amazing! I've been looking for something similar because I work more in Photoshop. Thank you. "
Maggie Stilwell: “This is awesome! A great timesaver. Thank you for sharing it. "
WashIrving: “Looks pretty damn useful. thanks bro "
zmotion: “Awesome script. I am sure for many, including me, it will be very useful! "

And for example, a vector illustration that has been processed by a script and exported to PSD format.

173 objects in AI were processed in 40 seconds. In the final PSD, all layers are vector shapes.

In this tutorial we will learn how to crop our works, export them to JPG format for website or print. We will also talk about EPS files, this is a universal format for saving vector graphics.

Saving Files Using Crop Area

When you need to export your file to JPG format, sometimes you may notice white areas around the image. This is due to the images hidden behind the masks (see example below). Illustrator also exports the white outline of all objects, whether they are hidden or not. To solve this problem, you need to define a crop zone to tell Illustrator that this is the zone to export, instead of exporting the entire drawing.

Defining Clipping Zone

Draw a rectangle to define the area you want to export. Select it and click Object> Crop Area> Make.

Clipping marks appear.

Click File> Export. Select type JPEG file and click save. The JPEG options window will appear. Depending on whether you are saving for website or print, you may need to change the settings.

For Site / Screen: Quality: 6-8 Resolution Depth: Screen

For print: Quality: 12 Resolution Depth: High

Saving as EPS file

In the first lesson, I showed you Illustrator file in .AI format. However, this type of file can only be opened in Illustrator. There is another universal format that designers usually save for printing and exporting their work to Indesign and QuarkXPress. This is EPS format. Click File> Save As and choose the EPS file type. When you save, the EPS Options window will appear. A default save should usually do the trick. However, sometimes you may need to save for more old version if someone can't open your file.

Version: Choose Illustrator 8.0 if you want all programs to be compatible. However, transparent objects will be matte.

Preview: Includes quick preview to preview your artwork when imported into other programs.

Transparency Preset: Set to High Resolution if you are going to print and if the job contains transparency.

Embed Fonts: Check the box if you want to include fonts in EPS so that they are available if someone opens them.

Any illustrator working through a microstock or photo bank understands the importance of vectors, which allow them to achieve better financial results due to their popularity with designers. They can be scaled to any desired size, and also contain fully editable elements, which allows you to use the most original and daring ideas of the designer. However, to achieve an optimal result, it is necessary to understand how best to preserve the finished product in order to make it more attractive to the buyer. For this we have collected some useful tips to properly prepare your vector files for saving.

Avoid font conflicts

Remember to always convert your font to curved lines. Otherwise, the file will open correctly only if operating system the font used in the image will be familiar to the computer. Outlining your type simply transforms each letter with editable shapes. After converting the text to curved lines, you will no longer be able to edit it, so make sure the text meets your requirements before proceeding. Press Ctrl + A to select all text objects. Then choose Type> Create Outlines.

Love cleanliness

Keep your files tidy! A dirty file is as unattractive as a dirty desk, who wants to work with it? Get customers to come back again and again by taking a few extra minutes to tidy up your illustrations.

Use the zoom magnifier around the illustration to check for reference paths, hidden lines, or open paths. To eliminate the listed defects, use the following commands:, and Adobe Illustrator will clean up the illustration itself.

file size

Reduce the size of the illustration. To do this, choose File> Document Setup and set the frame size. Select the images by pressing Ctrl + A and then Alt + Shift drag on one corner of the bounding box to resize your artwork on the artboard.

Disable previews created by Adobe Illustrator. Rasterized previews result in an unnecessary increase in file size. When saving the file, in the EPS dialog box, select the "No" option for the preview.

Remove unused symbols, graphic styles, brushes, and swatches. If your work palette is not active, choose Window> Actions. Scroll down until the Remove Unused Palette Items option appears, select that action, and click the Play button at the bottom of the window pane.

Flatten the transparency to high resolution so the photobank doesn't reject your work. To do this, use the Object> Flatten Transparency option. Make sure you DO NOT rasterize your artwork, as doing so will not make it truly vectorial.

Final savings protocol

Congratulations! You have created a vector artwork. Before loading, there is one more important step- saving!

Please note that microstock requires all vector images to be saved for Adobe Illustrator version 10 or higher. The reason for this is as follows. Let's assume that one user using Illustrator 10 is trying to open an EPS Illustrator CS2 file that has been uploaded to the photobank. When doing so, the user will receive an error message warning that opening of this file only possible in an updated version of Illustrator. File incompatibility is unfortunately a problem for many users, which is why microstock policy is to standardize all vector images like Illustrator 10 or more early versions(so called Legacy file).

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