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artisticallyvoid
artisticallyvoid
Participant
June 16, 2026
Question

How should graphics be formatted for pixel dimensions and artboard size?

  • June 16, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

I have had no formal training with Illustrator, but I use it almost every day.

When preparing new graphics that will be used across many formats -- what size artboard should I use in relation to the graphic size?

If I have a 40x40 pixel graphic with a 2 pixel stroke it could potentially be a 44x44, but Illustrator will still read it as 40x40. Meaning if the artboard is 40x40 it will not actually export the completed graphic when I export using artboards.

Is there a professional/industry standard rule of them for setting artboard sizes? I’ve never seen any proper training about preparing files for use across different formats and dimensions.

Should I set the artboard size after I create my graphic and size the artboard manually?

    1 reply

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 16, 2026

    Can you please give us some context in what kind of artwork you are creating? What will it be used for?

     

    If you are preparing for Social media sites, all of them have advice on that. I would turn there. It often makes sense to prepare artwork larger.

    You always have to test whether your artwork works in smaller sizes as well. 

    artisticallyvoid
    artisticallyvoidAuthor
    Participant
    June 16, 2026

    Usually I am working on logos that will be used on website, clothing and sometimes posters. I understand pixel dimensions when it comes to preparing for these, but what I more question is how the “original” should be. 

     

    Would a person typically keep two files? The original -- with all strokes still intact. Then a version converted to outlines that would be then be used for exporting to whatever sizes are needed at the time? Or would this all be done on one file across multiple artboards?

     

    I’m really lost in the simple part -- how big an artboard should be for my original graphic in relation to the size of the graphic itself. 

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