Export Illustrator Projects as High-Quality JPEGs: A Definitive Guide

Updated at: 09/06/2025

Adobe Illustrator excels at vector graphics, but sometimes you need a JPEG. This definitive guide walks you through exporting your Illustrator projects as high-quality JPEGs, ensuring crisp, clear images every time. We'll cover essential settings, resolution choices, and troubleshooting tips to avoid blurry or pixelated results. Get ready to master the art of JPEG export and share your stunning visuals with the world!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Project & Initiate Export

    • Open your Illustrator project.
    • Click on 'File' in the top navigation bar.
    • Select 'Export' and then 'Export As'.
    Select 'Export' and then 'Export As'. Select 'Export' and then 'Export As'. Select 'Export' and then 'Export As'.
    Open Project & Initiate Export

  2. Choose JPEG Settings

    • Choose 'JPEG' as the save as type.
    • Name your file and select the desired save location.
    • Ensure 'Artboards' is selected (if using artboards).
    Ensure 'Artboards' is selected (if using artboards). Ensure 'Artboards' is selected (if using artboards). Ensure 'Artboards' is selected (if using artboards).
    Choose JPEG Settings

  3. Begin Export Process

    • Click 'Export'.
    Click 'Export'.
    Begin Export Process

  4. Adjust JPEG Options for Quality

    • In the JPEG options, change the 'Color Model' to 'RGB'.
    • Set the 'Quality' to its maximum value .
    • Set the 'Resolution' to its maximum value (300 PPI).
    • Change 'Anti-aliasing' to 'Art Optimized'.
    Change 'Anti-aliasing' to 'Art Optimized'. Change 'Anti-aliasing' to 'Art Optimized'. Change 'Anti-aliasing' to 'Art Optimized'. Change 'Anti-aliasing' to 'Art Optimized'.
    Adjust JPEG Options for Quality
    • Check the box next to 'Embed ICC Profile'.
    Check the box next to 'Embed ICC Profile'.
    Adjust JPEG Options for Quality

  5. Finalize and Export

    • Click 'OK'.
    Click 'OK'.
    Finalize and Export
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Tips

  • RGB color model is best for JPEG images intended for web use.
  • Maximum quality results in a larger file size but the highest visual fidelity.
  • For web use, consider using 'Progressive' JPEGs for smoother loading.
  • For print, 'Baseline Standard' is sufficient.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Resolution Settings

Reason: Exporting at a low resolution results in a blurry, pixelated JPEG, unsuitable for print or high-resolution displays.
Solution: Set a high resolution (e.g., 300 DPI for print, 72-150 DPI for web) in the Export dialog before saving.

2. Using Incorrect Color Mode

Reason: Exporting in RGB for print or CMYK for web can lead to significant color shifts and inaccurate representation.
Solution: Choose the appropriate color mode (RGB for web, CMYK for print) based on your intended use.

3. Compressing JPEGs Too Much

Reason: Excessive compression to reduce file size leads to significant quality loss and visible artifacts.
Solution: Find a balance between file size and quality by adjusting the JPEG quality setting (a higher percentage maintains better quality).

FAQs

What resolution should I use for my JPEG exports?
The ideal resolution depends on your intended use. For web use, 72 DPI is usually sufficient. For print, aim for 300 DPI for optimal quality. Higher DPI will result in larger file sizes.