How do you optimize Illustrator graphics for different purposes?

As a Graphic and Web Designer I prefer working for screens. Therefore my go to format alongside SVG for vector-purposes is PNG. The format PNG is a "high-quality graphics format" and allows me to use transparencies, is optimised for the web and unlike JPEG it also does not compress the quality, hence high-quality. Whenever you do want to save as PNG, the option window pops up and allows you to adjust the resolution, transparency, set a background for your image and adjust compatibility. It is important to note, that PNG does not support CMYK.

The SWF format is basically a dead format. While there are some platforms that still use it they are few and far between. Illustrator cannot natively output animation except in a really klugey way. Usually it is used to create graphic that are then animated in other applications.

It's always important to get this info from your client. An initial step that is often missed is, "What will this be used for?" If it's for a large social push start googling current pixel sizes, if it's for a print what are the applications. You can't design for a format if you haven't asked what the purpose is.

If your design consists of basic shapes, move with SVG and PNG format. If you use it for web purposes then save for web and screens is a good option.

For digital things, we do a dual export of SVG and PNG. Just so we have whatever we need. For print primarily a flattend .pdf with outlined text.

Artboards can be a really efficient way to stay in control of asset creation. They also work really well when you need to make mass changes to your Artwork quickly. Good set up of your Artboards means easy file creation for finalisation and delivery. I can’t stress how useful Artboards are when setting up your vector based icons, logos and illustrations.

As a Graphic Designer creating for digital, print and motion, I find that Illustrator's artboards make it so easy to design for all platforms. I usually start with a high-resolution design and use layers dropdown and artboards to quickly organize and locate specific layouts. From there it's just deciding whether to save as, for vector based files, or save for screens for web based, or export. This allows for the most efficient organization with all my native files in one place to be easily found and edited when needed.

Vector graphics do not have resolution at least not in the way that term is usually used to refer to pixel density (ppi). The only time AI will ask you for resolution is when you export to a raster (pixel based) format like jpg.

Making sure whatever you export from Illustrator is important when you are creating assets for web. Using the Save for Web export option does a great job of allowing you to quickly export assets with the basic settings. Using PNG formats means that you are able to bring your exports into other apps like Photoshop or Figma and still have a good degree of quality to work with.

I have a question. Is there a way to embed the text in a word graphic into a png so it can be read by a screenreader? I seem to remember you could do this with svgs but that they were (years ago) not secure. I haven't been involved in this lately, but I'm jumping back in and curious about how to improve accessibility in word images...any thought on this? Thanks!

Hi Angela. Text can be embedded in the metadata of .png files, but there doesn't seem to be a standardised way to do this so that readers pick it up automatically. I wouldn't rely on it. However, most browsers have text-recognition functionality that can recognise text fairly effectively even in bitmaps and allow users to copy/paste etc. It is also important to use the alt tags in the construction of the site, and most readers deal with this very well.

In logo design, 'flattening' as much as possible has its risks. If you have two areas of different colour touch, make sure the actual shapes are overlapping rather than touching. That is, extend the bottom shape a bit below the top one(s). This prevents shoddy rendering from creating a background-coloured fringe between the two shapes.

Testing your graphics is very important. The graphic may look great while you’re designing on the computer but it may be too large for a phone screen, or the file could be too big for a website, or it may be in the wrong color profile for print. You won’t know these things unless you test your graphic.

In my experience: Step 1: Establish Pantone colors Step 2: Medium of which the graphics will be used Step 3: Acknowledge the media will be cross platform. For example can you print a banner, sticker, embroidery. Step 4: Distribution among workforce. Step 5: Central network for the later distribution Step 6: Communication to outside sales.

A marvelous option of the Proof Setup options is to preview your work in a colour-blind simulation. Use the 'Protanopia' and 'Deuteranopia' settings to see whether ~4% of your audience sees your work at least okay. If you have attached vital meaning to your different colours, this is an absolute must.

Some people may think this is unfortunate aspect of design, but you need feedback from people to make sure your idea is great. Show your design to anybody with eyes that means your family, friends, coworkers, pets, anybody that will give you feedback you should show it to them. One thing I want to point out is that when you show people your design. Don’t try to explain it to them, instead let them see it for themselves and give you their first impressions. Sometimes you may want your design to say one thing when in reality, it’s saying something else entirely. Without feedback you won’t know if you need to adjust the design or not.

100%! Getting feedback for your design as a graphic designer is sooo crucial because it helps you gather different perspectives and insights that can lead to improvements. What designers tend to forget is that feedback provides fresh viewpoints that you might have missed. It helps you identify issues or areas for enhancement, and validates whether your design nas effectively communicated the intended message. There is value hidden in someone feedback as it enables you to understand how your design is perceived by your target audience, leading to more user-centered and successful outcomes.

As an Environmental Graphic Designer who is presenting Signage and Streetscape designs with similar elements, I create extensive libraries of elements, materials,and vector elements in my Creative Cloud Libraries so I can easily pull scale people or plants and trees and drawn lighting elements to create my streetscapes or interior scenes.

If your design is going to print remember to ALWAYS outline any text to avoid substitute fonts. (shift+cmd+O) And double check your artboard size against set parameters.

Use multiple layers when designing and LABEL them. It will make your life so much easier when you have to go back in and edit a complicated design with many elements.