This simple tutorial will show you how to export a high-quality JPG in Illustrator and explain all the various options available to you. From there, you’ll be able to save with confidence and intent, no matter the reason.
Export JPG Video Tutorial
Feel free to follow along at your own pace as I demonstrate exporting a high-quality jpg from Illustrator in the below video tutorial.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
As with any export tutorial (and I’ve done a few), choosing the right options can be overwhelming.
So, if you’d prefer to look at static images and double check your export options to mine, this is the section for you. Hope it helps you out!
Step 1 – Once your artboard(s) are ready to be saved, go to File > Export > Export as.
Step 2 – When the ‘export’ box appears, locate where you would like to save your file. Set the name in the ‘save as’ dialogue box, and under format select ‘jpeg (jpg)’.
Remember to check ‘use artboards’, so that the jpg has the exact dimensions of your artboard, and check ‘all’ to save the individual artboard or all of the artboards (if you have multiple). Once ready, click ‘export’.
Step 3 – Next, the ‘jpeg options’ box will appear. See below this screenshot for advice on exporting your jpg.
JPG Options
Make sure your color mode is set to ‘rgb’. Even if you intend to print the jpg, cmyk color mode and jpg are a very problematic combination, and this will often cause issues with the file.
Set your quantity as high as you wish, depending on what is required, as high as ’10’, or ‘maximum’. Remember, higher quality jpgs have considerably higher file sizes, so bear that in mind and think about where the jpg will be used.
Under ‘options’, as you want a high qualty jpg, leave the compression method as ‘baseline (standard)’.
When it comes to resolution, ideally for print and very high-resolution screens you’ll want to be 150-300ppi (300 is standard for print), and you can also set your own resolution by clicking the dropdown and selecting ‘custom’.
If you do have a considerable amount of type on your artwork, you can try the ‘type optimized (hinted)’ option under anti-aliasing for a crisper finish, and the same applies for ‘art optimized’ if your jpg is heavy on visuals.
Finally, if you are working with specific brand colors and the exact colors used are important, select ’embed ICC profile’ and that option will do its utmost to keep the original colors used in the jpg to their exact color values.
Once you have happy with your export options, simply click ‘ok’. In the video tutorial, at the end I compare a jpg saved for web with a high-quality jpg, to show the difference between the quality of the two files.
Follow these simple rules, and you should have no issue exporting a high-quality jpg from Illustrator that looks dazzling on high-resolution screens and when used in print.