How to Export a Document in Adobe Illustrator for Print
Adobe Illustrator is a widely used vector graphics editing software that is popular among designers for creating, editing, and manipulating illustrations, logos, and other artwork. When you’ve finished creating a design in Illustrator and want to send it for professional printing, it’s essential to ensure that you export the document correctly to maintain the quality of your artwork. Here’s a guide on how to export a document in Adobe Illustrator for print:
1. Prepare your document: Before exporting your document, ensure that your artwork is set up according to the print specifications. This includes setting the correct document size, color mode, and resolution. For print, it is essential to use the CMYK color mode and set the resolution to at least 300 PPI (pixels per inch) to ensure high print quality.
2. Check for bleed and trim marks: If your design extends to the edge of the paper, it is important to include bleed and trim marks. Bleed is the area beyond the edge of the document where the design extends to ensure that there are no white borders after trimming. Trim marks indicate where the document should be cut after printing.
3. Save your document: Before exporting, save your Illustrator document in the .ai format to preserve the editable layers and vector properties of your artwork.
4. Choose the correct export format: When you are ready to export your document, go to File > Export and select the appropriate file format for print. For professional printing, the preferred format is a high-resolution PDF (Portable Document Format). Click on the “Save as type” dropdown menu and choose “Adobe PDF (Print)”.
5. Set PDF export options: After selecting the PDF format, a settings window will appear with various options. Ensure that the “Adobe PDF Preset” is set to “Press Quality” or “High Quality Print” to maintain the highest quality for professional printing. Tick the boxes for “Crop Marks” and “Use Document Bleed Settings” to include trim marks and bleed in the exported document.
6. Check color settings: In the PDF export options, click on the “Output” tab and ensure that the color conversion is set to “Convert to Destination”. This will preserve the CMYK color mode and maintain color accuracy for print.
7. Review and save: Before finalizing the export, review the settings and options to ensure they match the requirements of your print project. Once you are satisfied with the settings, click “Export” to save the PDF file to your desired location.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Adobe Illustrator document is properly prepared and exported for professional printing. Taking the time to set up the document correctly and choosing the right export options will help maintain the integrity of your artwork and ensure high-quality print results.
