In this article, I will show you 2 Easy Ways How to Save Illustrator File As a PNG and why it is preferable to a JPEG. JPEG file format or Joint Photographic Experts Group in full is one of the most common file formats in graphic design.
It can represented by .jpeg or .jpg file format. This format is a raster image and flattened and can not be edited further when exported. One common characteristic of all JPEG images is the presence of a background.
If you however want an image file without a background, a . PNG file format is ideal. Depending on how you save it a PNG file may or may not have a solid background. In full PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics.
Instead of saving in Illustrator like you would a PDF or AI file, to achieve a PNG file format you will have to export instead.
The first important and obvious reason to go for PNG instead of JPEG is that a PNG file will have a transparent background and will pick the background of the image you place it on.
Save the Illustrator File As a PNG or JPEG
When you try to save a file in the usual way, you will notice there is no PNG option. You can only use this method to save your file as an Illustrator source file.
This method will allow you to save a couple of formats such as AI, PDF, and SVG but no PNG or JPEG.
To save an Illustrator file as a PNG, follow these steps.
Step 1: Open the Illustrator file you want to save as a PNG.
Step 2: Go to File > Export > Export As. In the Export As dialog box, select PNG OR Jpeg from the Format drop-down menu.
Step 3: Choose a location and name to save the file. Click on the Export.
Step 4: Select the options for exporting the PNG, such as resolution, artboard, and more.
Click on the OK button to finish the export.
Saving Illustrator Files As PNG for Large Files
This process will work well when saving smaller PNG files of around 2000 x 2000 pixels and below. If you however intend to use your PNG transparent file for merch sites such as Merch by Amazon, you will have to export large PNG files up to 4500 x 5400 pixels and 300 dpi resolution.
If you try to export like we did in the last method you will notice such an error for large file sizes.
Step 1: Open the file you intend to save as PNG
Step 2: Make sure the artboard size is correct by clicking Shift>O. The artboard size is displayed on the top bar.If not correct, change the values to change the artboard size.
Step 3: If it is correct, Go to File>Export>Save for Web or Shortcut ALT>SHIFT>CONTROL>S. Change the format from JPEG to PNG from the pop-up menu.
Step 4: Choose Transparency to have a transparent background. Click Save and choose a location and file name to save.
After that, your Illustrator file will be saved as a PNG, which is a raster image format that supports transparency and can be used in various web and graphic design projects.
If you, however, prefer a fully organized video course that will turn you into an Adobe Illustrator professional, just check our tutorials page for the best Illustrator courses we recommend.
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Why is my PNG not Transparent in Illustrator?
There are 2 main reasons that can cause this situation. First of all, make sure that the actual design does not have a background in Illustrator. If it does not have a background, make sure to toggle transparency as you export. If you fail to do it, you will have a white background PNG.
Can You Save a PNG File in Adobe Illustrator?
Yes, you can Save a PNG File using Adobe Illustrator. When saving, make sure to use the export option instead of save as. For transparent background PNG files, choose the transparent background option when rendering.
How to save an illustrator file as a jpeg
After you finish creating your design, Go to File>Export, and enter a name that you will remember. Make sure to check the use artboards option. Choose JPEG format from the format dropdown.