You can save an Adobe Illustrator file as a JPEG by selecting File > Export > Export As. Type your file name in the Save As box and choose the JPEG (jpg) format.
Your Illustrator file will save in AI format by default. When you use the Save As option, you can save your file in formats like; PDF, EPS, SVG, etc. However, you won’t see the JPEG option. So where is it?
Hi, I am Rita. I have been using Illustrator for over five years. I love to save my Illustrator file as a JPEG when creating infographics, header images, or printables.
In this article, I will show you how to save an Illustrator file as a JPEG with screenshot images.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- You have to export your Illustrator file instead of saving it. Exporting your AI file will help you save it as a JPEG.
- Adobe Illustrator works with artboards. When saving your Illustrator file, you can combine artboards and save them into a single graphic. You can also save them as separate images.
- How you handle artboards will determine the appearance of your exported image.
How to Save Adobe Illustrator File as a JPEG
Quick note: This tutorial explains saving an AI file as a JPEG from the Adobe Illustrator CC Windows Version. Mac and other versions may appear different (especially the screenshots). However, the process is the same.
Step 1: Go to the overhead menu File > Export > Export As.
Step 2: Input your file name in the “file name” field and select JPEG (*JPG) in the “Save as type” field (For Windows users). You will input your file name in the “Save as” option and go to Format to select your preferred file format.
Step 3: Check the artboard field (you can select All or choose a Range). Click on Export to continue.
Step 4: Choose your preferred Color Mode depending on the intent of your design. If you want to print the design, choose CMYK. For web or screen designs, choose RGB.
Step 5: Choose your image resolution.
The image resolution that you choose depends on the intent of the design. If you are using the image for the web, 72 ppi is fine (you don’t want it to the heavy).
You may need a higher resolution if you are printing the document. You can use 150 or 300 ppi (depending on the file size you are printing).
Step 6: Click OK to save your file.
Great! You have now saved your AI file as a JPEG.
Understanding the Artboard Options When Saving Illustrator Files as JPEGs
You must have known that Adobe Illustrator works with artboards. How you handle artboards while saving AI files as JPEGs will determine their appearance.
When you save your AI file as a JPEG use the File > Export > Export As Option. You will select the Use Artboard option (whether you want to export all the artboards or select a range).
Let’s look at the best ways to handle artboards while saving your AI file as a JPEG.
Click the Use Artboards box to export multiple artboards as separate JPEG files. Click on All to export all the artboards, or select a range if you want to save specific artboards.
You can use the artboard as a boundary box. You can check the Use Artboard box to crop out overlapping edges of objects placed outside the artboard. When you do this, your final JPEG image will contain only the images inside the artboard.
You can uncheck the Use Artboard box if all your objects are inside a single artboard. It works well with shapes like rectangles and squares.
FAQs
You can save an Illustrator file as a JPEG in one minute following easy steps. However, let’s look at the answers to the questions you want to ask.
How to save an Illustrator file as a JPEG with a transparent background?
You can’t save an image as a JPEG with a transparent background. However, there is a way for you to make the background transparent in Adobe Illustrator.
You can save the image as a PNG file, then choose transparent as the background color.
How to save an Illustrator file as a high-quality JPG?
Go to File > Export > Export As. Choose how you want to save your artboard, then click Export to continue. Change the JPEG resolution option from 72 ppi (default resolution) to 150 or 300 ppi.
Final Thoughts
Saving your AI file as a JPEG is easy by following the steps above. Remember to choose the Export option instead of Save As!
Let us know if you have any questions in the comment section below.
