Compressing AI file for Email: How to Do It Right
Sending large AI (Adobe Illustrator) files via email can be a daunting task. The size of these files often exceeds the limits set by email providers, making it difficult to share them through email. However, with the right approach, you can compress AI files for email without compromising the quality.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you compress AI files for email in an efficient and effective manner:
1. Use the “Save for Web” Feature:
Adobe Illustrator provides a “Save for Web” feature that allows you to save your AI file in a web-friendly format, effectively reducing its size. To use this feature, go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy). Here, you can choose the file format (such as JPEG or PNG) and adjust the quality settings to reduce the file size while maintaining an acceptable level of visual fidelity.
2. Remove Unused Elements:
Before saving your AI file, it’s a good practice to remove any unused elements, hidden layers, or unnecessary objects from your artwork. This can significantly reduce the file size without affecting the visual appearance of the artwork.
3. Simplify Complex Artwork:
If your AI file contains complex vector graphics or intricate details, consider simplifying the artwork before saving it for email. This can be done by reducing the number of anchor points, eliminating unnecessary paths, and simplifying complex shapes. Such modifications can lead to a considerable reduction in file size.
4. Use ZIP Compression:
If the file size is still larger than what you need for email, consider compressing the AI file into a ZIP archive. To do this, right-click on the AI file, select “Send to,” and then choose “Compressed (zipped) folder” from the dropdown menu. This will create a ZIP file containing your AI artwork, which can be easily attached to your email.
5. Consider File Hosting Services:
In some cases, even after compression, the AI file may still be too large to send via email. In such scenarios, consider using file hosting services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer to upload the compressed file and share the download link via email.
6. Inform the Recipient:
Lastly, if you are sending a large file via email, it’s good practice to inform the recipient beforehand. Let them know that the email will contain a large attachment and provide them with an estimated file size, so they can make necessary arrangements to receive it.
By following these steps, you can effectively compress AI files for email without sacrificing the quality of your artwork. Remember to consider the recipient’s internet bandwidth and email limitations when deciding on the appropriate file size for sharing. With the right approach, you can ensure that your AI files reach their destination without any unnecessary complications.
