# How to Export with Transparency in Adobe Illustrator

Okay, here is how you save transparency in Adobe Illustrator.

To save transparency in Illustrator, you typically need to export your design in a file format that supports transparency, such as PNG, TIFF, or SVG, and ensure the correct export settings are selected.

How to Export with Transparency in Adobe Illustrator

Saving transparency isn't a separate "save" command but is handled during the export process when creating a file to be used outside of Illustrator (like for web, print, or other software). The most common format for maintaining transparency for web and digital use is PNG.

Here's a general process, often involving the "Export for Screens" feature or "Export As":

Method 1: Export for Screens (Ideal for Multiple Assets/Artboards)

This method is excellent for exporting multiple elements or artboards simultaneously and offers precise control over settings, including transparency.

1. Prepare your artwork: Ensure the areas you want to be transparent are not filled with white or any other color. The checkerboard pattern in Illustrator's artboard view indicates transparency.

2. Go to File > Export > Export for Screens...

3. In the Export for Screens dialog box:

   • Select Assets or Artboards: Choose which elements you want to export.
   • Choose Location: Select where you want to save the files.
   • Select Format: Choose PNG from the format dropdown. PNG-24 is generally preferred for full alpha transparency.
   • Configure Settings: Click on the gear icon next to the format or look at the export settings panel.

4. Crucial Transparency Settings (Incorporating Reference Details):

   • Enable Transparency: Within the format settings for PNG, make sure the Transparency option is enabled (this is the likely setting the reference refers to when saying "make sure you have that enabled"). This tells Illustrator to save the alpha channel data.
   • Set Suffix to None: As mentioned in the reference, if you don't want extra characters added to your filenames (like @1x), ensure the Suffix field is set to none or is left blank. You can find this in the scale settings area.
   • Set Scale: The reference highlights setting the scale to 1x. This means the exported asset will be saved at its original size defined in Illustrator. You can add other scales (like 2x, 3x) if needed, but 1x exports at the base size.

5. Click Export Artboard(s) or Export Asset(s).

Method 2: Export As (For Single Artboards or Files)

This is a straightforward way to export the current artboard or file content.

1. Go to File > Export > Export As...

2. In the Export As dialog box:

   • Choose File Name and Location: Name your file and select where to save it.
   • Select Save As Type: Choose PNG (png) from the dropdown menu.
   • Use Artboards (Optional): If you only want to export the content within a specific artboard, check the "Use Artboards" box and specify the range.

3. Click Export.

4. In the subsequent PNG Options dialog box:

   • Resolution: Choose the desired resolution (e.g., Screen (72 ppi) for web).
   • Anti-aliasing: Choose an option appropriate for your artwork.
   • Background Color: This is the critical setting for transparency. Select Transparent. This is where you "enable" transparency for this export method.

5. Click OK.

Other Formats Supporting Transparency:

• TIFF (.tif): Supports transparency via an Alpha Channel. Often used for print or specific workflows. When exporting, look for options related to "Transparency" or "Alpha Channels".
• SVG (.svg): Scalable Vector Graphics inherently support transparency as vector objects can have fill/stroke opacity settings that are preserved in the file. No specific transparency setting is usually needed during export beyond ensuring your objects' opacities are set correctly in Illustrator.

By following these steps and selecting the correct format and transparency options during export, you can successfully save your artwork with transparency from Adobe Illustrator.