AI is a Good Start but Not Perfect

​​If you’re needing any large format printing done and it’s up to you to design the project, AI is a good start to get information and layout basically laid out. It can also give your printing partner a good idea of the look and feel you’re going for; however, it’ll need to be modified and recreated to print at a high-quality output. 

None of the AI output can be used in large printing formats, the reason is that AI only lets you download in raster files.

Raster File Format – JPEG, PNG, GIF

Raster files consist of pixels; tiny little squares of color. Photos and many design files from AI and other websites like Canva will allow you to design and download raster images for free. The raster file has a limited number of pixels, so for example, if you have an image or design that measures 12”x12”, it will print great at that size, however, if you want that same design printed for your vehicle or trailer graphics and it needs to be resized to 60”x60”, the image will look terrible up close and the pixels will be really noticeable. Not recommended, the solution…

Vector File Format – SVG, EPS, AI (Adobe), some PDFs

Vector files don’t use pixels, instead they consist of lines, curves and shapes. It can be scalable at any size. So, if you have a business logo and words describing your services, it can be used for small prints like business cards and can also be used for large prints for big trailers or banners. It’s obviously more complex than that but basically, it’s better than raster files for large printing projects.

Keep in Mind

In conclusion, keep in mind when using AI or other sites for free design work, that it’s a great first step to assist in the final product output. But there are many steps after so that you get the best product possible.

Other Steps

After receiving AI raster files from clients, I import that design into Adobe Illustrator, try to find similar or exact font matches used (among millions of options to sift through), most often I use software to help with that process but it’s also not perfect. Then I outline and create any shapes, lines, curves, etc. using a vector format. The more complex a file the longer this takes. Then when all the lettering and shapes are vectorized then I can scale to the size that is needed.

Long Story Short

Use AI, it’s a good start, your printing partner will do his/her best to keep you informed on next steps and what is possible to print based on the raster file. There may be changes and modifications needed, be open and honest in your feedback, we appreciate that!

Steve Sessions

If you need any sign work reach out!
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801.528.2907 or email: [email protected]