To export from Adobe Illustrator, you'll generally use the "File" menu. The specific method depends on the desired file format and purpose. Here's a breakdown of common exporting options:
1. Quick Export for Screens (Common for Web/App Graphics):
- Go to File > Export > Export for Screens...
- Choose the artboards you want to export.
- Select the desired file format(s) (e.g., PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF). You can choose multiple formats and scaling options simultaneously.
- Choose a location to save the files.
- Click Export Artboard(s).
This method is ideal for:
- Exporting multiple assets at different resolutions for different devices (iOS, Android, Web).
- Generating web-ready graphics.
- Batch exporting artboards.
2. Export As... (For Specific File Formats and Detailed Control):
- Go to File > Export > Export As...
- Choose the file format from the "Save as type" dropdown menu. Common options include:
- PNG: For images with transparency.
- JPG: For images with good compression and smaller file sizes.
- SVG: For scalable vector graphics (ideal for web).
- PDF: For print-ready documents or vector graphics.
- Use Artboards: Check this box to export individual artboards as separate files. You can export all artboards or specify a range.
- Click Export.
- Configure the specific options for the selected file format in the dialog box that appears (e.g., resolution, quality, compression).
- Click OK.
This method is ideal for:
- Precise control over export settings.
- Saving files in specific formats required by printers or other software.
- Exporting individual artboards with custom names and settings.
3. Save As... (For Saving Illustrator Files):
- Go to File > Save As...
- Choose "Adobe Illustrator (*.ai)" to save the file in Illustrator's native format. This preserves all layers, vector information, and editability.
- Choose "Adobe PDF (*.PDF)" if you need a PDF version of your artboards that can be easily shared and printed. This option may flatten some aspects of your work.
4. Exporting Assets Individually from the Assets Panel:
- Open the Assets Export panel (Window > Asset Export).
- Drag the objects you want to export from your artboard into the Assets Export panel.
- Specify the desired formats, scales, and suffixes for each asset.
- Click the Export button at the bottom of the panel.
This method is ideal for:
- Quickly exporting individual elements from your design.
- Managing and organizing assets for web and app development.
- Creating different versions of assets with varying sizes and resolutions.
Important Considerations:
- Resolution: For web graphics, 72 DPI (dots per inch) is typically sufficient. For print, 300 DPI or higher is recommended.
- Color Mode: For web, use RGB color mode. For print, use CMYK color mode.
- File Size: Consider the file size when exporting, especially for web use. Optimize images for the smallest possible file size without sacrificing quality.
- Transparency: Use PNG format to preserve transparency.
- Bleed: When exporting for print, include bleed (extra space around the edges) to ensure that the design extends to the edge of the printed piece after trimming.
In summary, Adobe Illustrator provides multiple export options, each suited to specific needs. The 'Export for Screens' is excellent for fast, multi-resolution outputs, while 'Export As' gives fine-grained control over individual file formats and settings. Choosing the correct method ensures the best possible output for your project.
