all files I save from AI are saving pixelated, this wasn't so hard before.

It lookes like a raster image, rendered in pixels...because that's what it is. Consider this; you jack the resolution up to 1800 ppi reaching for smooth edges, but then zoom in far enough so that one inch of your screen has fewer than 100 pixels to simulate those 1800 ppi. It's a bit like chasing your tail, if you had one. Aside from that, I don't think you're doing anything wrong.

I don't use a Mac, but how good is Preview? What does this look like in a different app, like Photoshop or GraphicConverter?

Hello @Jacqueline28290351p2xi,

Thanks for reaching out. I hope the suggestions shared by Ton helped resolve the problem. If not, kindly share a sample Ai and the exported JPEG file here (https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/share-your-files-in-6-simple-steps/td-p/12967531), so we can check it on our end.

Looking forward to your response.

Thanks,

Anubhav

Did you check the Art Optimized anti-aliasing option?

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post if it helps you get responses.

<moved from using the community>