AI 2025 Export not coming out to correct size

Question

When I export a PNG from AI and include artboards, I find that the exported art does not come out to the page dimensions I set in Illustrator, UNLESS the ppi is setto 72. For instance:

AI page dimensions are 4800x4800px

Export PNG @ 72 ppi, open in PS and file dimensions are 4800x4800 @72 Pixels/inch

Export PNG @ 150 ppi, open in PS and file dimensions are 10000x1000 @150 Pixels/inch

Export PNG @300 ppi, open in PS and file dimensions are 20000x2000 @300 Pixels/inch
when what I'm after is:
Export PNG @300 ppi, open in PS and file dimensions are 4800x4800 @300 Pixels/inch
because that's the requested size from the vendor. Now I can change it in Photoshop, but why doesn't it just export at the page dimensions and resolution to begin with?

Doug A Roberts · Accepted Answer

Because in Illustrator, pixels are a fixed unit of measurement equivalent to points.

When you create a file 4800 px square, you're actually creating one 66.66 inches square. When you tell Illustrator to export that at 300 PPI, you get 300 x 66.66 pixels square (20,000).

If someone wants a file of a particular size in inches, which is what someone is really saying when they say they want a partcular PPI (whether they realise it or not), you need to start off by working in inches.

4800/300 is 16 inches. Create a document 16 inches square, then export at 300 PPI.

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