How to save Adobe Illustrator (AI) files into multiple formats

By default, Adobe Illustrator saves files in AI format - this is the ideal format for working with projects or for saving a main copy of a job. However, when it's time to print / share the finished product, post it online, or import the file into other programs, you'll need to save it to another format, such as JPEG, PNG or SVG.

This article will show you how to save Adobe Illustrator (AI) files in various formats, including JPEG, PNG and SVG.

How to save AI file as JPEG

For illustrations, infographics or anything else that needs to be printed (for example, designing a business card in Adobe Illustrator), it is best to save the file as a high-resolution JPEG. You should design a work that is nearly the size you want to export it. Once completed, save the AI ​​file as a JPEG according to the following steps:

Go to File> Export> Export As . Enter a file name and set Format to JPEG .

Customize how you want to save the drawing, then click Export to continue.

On the JPEG Options screen , change the Color Model as needed, then select Quality .

In Options , set the output resolution. Screen (72dpi) will create a file the same size as the original and can be used on the web, and High (300dpi) will produce high-resolution images suitable for printing.

Click OK to save the file.

How to save an AI file to PNG

If you need to save an image like a Logo or a logo for use on the web, especially if it has a transparent background, then you should save the AI ​​file as PNG.

To support high-resolution displays, you should export files in different sizes (you can do this automatically):

Go to File> Export> Export for Screens .

Select the Artboards tab . If there is more than one artboard in the image, select the files you want to export.

In Formats , set format into PNG and Scale is 1x .

Click Add Scale . This will create more settings for the second image, so set the Scale to a new size (such as 3x ) to export an image three times taller and wider than the original.

Click Export Artboard to save the image.

How to save AI file to SVG

A better and more modern way to export logos and Logos for the web is to use the SVG format, which helps export the file to link to your website, or save the image as a code snippet and paste it directly into the file. HTML, then edit with CSS. This is a very effective way to add effects and animations to photos.

How to convert AI files to SVG:

Go to File> Export> Export As .

Set Format to SVG and click Export .

Set Styling to Internal CSS . This puts all the information in a <style> block that can be easily changed by CSS.

For Font , select SVG . Only select Outlines if you are using a custom, obscure font.

In the Images section , select Preserve .

Make sure to check both Minify and Responsive boxes for maximum performance and compatibility.

Next, click Show Code to open the code in the text editor. You can copy and paste this file into your HTML file. Or click OK to export the image as an SVG file.

How to save an AI file to PDF

The easiest way to save AI files as PDFs is via the Save As option . However, if you are using more than one drawing, this will combine them into a multi-page PDF.

There is a simple tip for saving drawings as separate PDFs:

Go to Export> Export for Screens .

In the dialog box that opens, click on the Artboards tab and select the files you want to save.

In the right column, set Format to PDF , then click Export Artboards . It may take several seconds to export large or complex files.

When done, by default, your files will be saved in their subfolder.

Save objects from Adobe Illustrator images

If you need to save or export selected objects from a large file, such as designing a logo in Illustrator, you might want to save text or symbols in a separate file.

You can do this by turning objects into Assets :

Go to Window> Asset Export .

On the toolbar, select the Selection Tool or press the V key on the keyboard. Then drag the objects you want to save to the Asset Export panel .

Select Asset . Hold Ctrl or Cmd to select more objects.

In Export Settings , select Format (PNG, JPEG, SVG or PDF).

If saved as PNG or JPEG, you can export in multiple sizes. For example, set the Scale to 1x , then click Add Scale to set the Scale to 2x . You can also use this option to export files in different formats.

Click Export and choose where to save the new files.

Note:

Photoshop can open the AI ​​file directly, but it is just a flat, non-editable image.