In this article, we'll expect at the procedure of exporting files from both Illustrator and Inkscape, as well as the different file types you can choose and when y'all should use them.

Learn How to Consign From Illustrator

This video covers the procedure of saving in vector format and exporting in raster format from Adobe Illustrator. A full text-based caption is below.

Learn How to Export From Inkscape

If you're an Inkscape user, this video explains how to save and export your vector files. A full text-explanation is beneath.

Afterward you've created or downloaded a vector file from Vecteezy and manipulated information technology using software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, you lot'll need to relieve or consign the file. When you become to the save screen you'll see a multitude of file formats and options. Which format should yous cull and why? Let's cover the deviation between these format types: raster (bitmap) images and vector graphics.

What's the Difference?

Raster Vector
Pixel-based Not pixel-based
Set size and resolution Infinite size and resolution
Misconstrue when enlarged Does not distort when enlarged
Elements cannot exist edited Elements can exist edited


For more than details on this topic, please read Raster vs. Vector: Understanding Design File Types 101.

You'll demand to know how y'all plan to utilize the prototype in order to determine what file format to use. If you lot want to proceed the image in a vector format (meaning you can go back and edit it or scale information technology to whatsoever size), you lot'll need to utilise one of these formats:

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  • AI
  • EPS
  • PDF
  • SVG

Go on in mind that not all graphics software can open up or import these formats, so yous'll need to ensure wherever your files finish up that they tin exist read past the software planned to open them.

  • EPS offers the best compatibility because you can open these files in nearly whatever image editing software.
  • PDF and SVG files are recommended for online use.
  • AI is the proprietary format for Adobe Illustrator.

Although some other apps are able to open AI files, they will not be able to read the file completely. It's recommended that you but choose the AI format if the file will be edited in Illustrator.

Saving as a Vector File in Illustrator

If you lot're using Illustrator and y'all want to save the file in vector format, become to File > Salve Every bit or File > Salve a Re-create.

Saving a vector in Illustrator

So select either AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG format.

Saving a vector in Illustrator

Take notation of the export controls, including the ability to embed font files when exporting to some vector formats.

Saving a vector in Illustrator

Related: How to Get True Black in CMYK

Exporting as a Raster/Bitmap File in Illustrator

Raster or bitmap formats offering better compatibility than vector formats, only you'll need to proceed in mind the size of the epitome when y'all export information technology. Ideally, you'll know the size or resolution needed before exporting. Knowing what size the file volition display or print at is critical because Raster or bitmap files cannot be enlarged later without distortion.

You'll demand to export in either JPG or PNG format. Both of these formats provide excellent compatibility with graphics software and browsers. JPG files use more than compression than PNG files. This ways that the file size of JPGs volition exist smaller, but the paradigm quality may not be every bit skilful. To export, become to File > Export > Export As.

Export raster image from Illustrator

And so select either PNG or JPG from the format menu.

Exporting from Illustrator

Accept annotation of the resolution and compression controls. The options will vary depending on whether you lot are exporting as PNG or JPG.

PNG options

Saving as a Vector File in Inkscape

If you're using Inkscape and yous want to save the file in vector format, go to File > Save Equally or File > Save a Copy. Saving Vector in Inkscape And so select either EPS, PDF, or SVG format. Saving Vector in Inkscape EPS offers the best compatibility for vector files, so that is a good choice unless you have a specific reason to use some other file type.

Exporting as a Raster/Bitmap File in Inkscape

Inkscape has congenital-in support for PNG files but you'll need boosted software to export to JPG format. To consign as a PNG file in Inkscape, become to File > Export PNG Image.

Below, you'll find videos that encompass the procedure of saving and exporting from Illustrator and Inkscape.

Exporting PNG in Inkscape

In the Export PNG Prototype panel, you'll need to set up the controls for details similar size, dpi (resolution), and which areas of the sail y'all want to export.

Lead image by Vectorbox Studio