How do you share your Illustrator files?

1 PDF files

PDF files are one of the most widely used formats for sharing and printing documents, including vector graphics. You can export your Illustrator files as PDFs and preserve the layers, fonts, and effects of your original design. To do this, go to File > Save As and choose Adobe PDF from the Format menu. Then, select the preset that best suits your purpose, such as High Quality Print, Smallest File Size, or PDF/X for prepress. You can also customize the settings for compression, security, and output options. PDF files are compatible with most applications and devices, but they may not be editable or scalable depending on the settings.

2 AI files

AI files are the native format of Illustrator, and they contain all the information and features of your design. You can share your Illustrator files as AI files if you want to preserve the full editability and compatibility of your work. However, consider the version of Illustrator that your recipient is using, as newer features may not be supported by older versions. To avoid this issue, you can save your Illustrator files as AI files with PDF compatibility. This means that your file will have a PDF version embedded in it, which can be opened by any application that supports PDFs. To do this, go to File > Save As and choose Illustrator from the Format menu. Then, check the option for Create PDF Compatible File.

3 EPS files

EPS files are another common format for sharing vector graphics, especially for logos, icons, and illustrations. EPS files are compatible with many applications and platforms, and they can be scaled and printed without losing quality. However, EPS files do not support transparency, gradients, or effects, so you may need to flatten or rasterize some elements of your design before exporting. To export your Illustrator files as EPS files, go to File > Export As and choose EPS from the Format menu. Then, select the version and options that match your requirements, such as CMYK or RGB color mode, preview format, and font embedding.

4 SVG files

SVG files are a web-based format for sharing vector graphics, and they are ideal for creating responsive and interactive designs. SVG files are supported by most browsers and web applications, and they can be scaled and animated without losing quality. SVG files also support transparency, gradients, and effects, but they may not render the same way across different platforms. To export your Illustrator files as SVG files, go to File > Export As and choose SVG from the Format menu. Then, adjust the settings for image location, CSS properties, fonts, and advanced options.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?