Exporting 30" x 180" artboard as JPEG at 300 DPI?

What kind of artwork is in the original file you're trying to export in JPEG format? Is the artwork vector-based? Or is it a combination of vector graphics and photo imagery?

Why even use the JPEG format? A PDF file will deliver better results.

Unlike lossy compressed JPEG images a PDF file can contain both pixel-based imagery and vector-based graphics. Any vector-based logos, lettering and other graphical elements will print at the maximum resolution of the printer, which is probably more than 300ppi. PDF works better with large format printers (if they're driven by a good RIP application with an Adobe-certified PDF engine).

Is this 30" X 180" large format printed design going to be output on a large banner or installed on an outdoor sign? If so, pixel-based imagery at 300ppi is overkill. 150ppi is enough for poster designs. 72ppi works fine for vehicle wraps. If your design contains any photo images just embed them at their original resolution and let the large format RIP application and printer do their own tricks at resampling the imagery during printing.

If your Illustrator artwork has live raster-based effects (such as drop-shadows, bevels, etc) adjust your document's raster effects setting to an appropriate level. A 300ppi raster effects setting is good for a standard letter-sized document. Large items like banners, trade show backgrounds, sign faces, billboards, etc can use much lower settings. A PDF will retain those effects.

Good morning OriginalBologna,

I too usually encounter this problem when preparing files for printing.

Reducing the resolution when exporting to JPG is generally the option I choose, between 150 and 200 DPI depending on the dimensions of the artboard. And the result is completely acceptable.

As for the pdf format. I do it sometimes, but the only problem is the file size. When I use this option, printing companies often ask me to reduce the file size before sending it to print. And for the PDF it is necessary that the file conforms to the colorimetric system adapted for printing.

I advise you to opt for the option that best suits your situation.

Hello OriginalBologna,

I usually encounter this problem when preparing files for printing. I would like to tell you that this is normal depending on the capacity of the work computer used. There are 2 ways to work around this:

1- Reduce the resolution to 150 dpi
If you want to export this as a jpg, it is best to reduce the resolution to 150 dpi minimum. You will find very good image quality with a resolution of 150 dpi when printing.

2- Send the model in pdf format
If you don't want to reduce the resolution, you can also convert the file to PDF.

Hi @OriginalBologna,

I understand your concern about exporting your 30" x 180" artboard as a JPEG at 300 DPI in Illustrator. However, there is a known limitation in Illustrator.

Unfortunately, this means that you won't be able to export your artboard at the exact size and resolution you desire within a single artboard in Illustrator. To work around this limitation, you may need to divide your artwork into smaller sections or try exporting at 72ppi.

If dividing the artwork is not an option, you might want to consider designing it at a smaller scale and then upscaling it for printing. Keep in mind that upscaling can result in a loss of image quality, so make sure to do some test prints to ensure the quality meets your standards.

I hope this information helps, and if you have any more questions or need further assistance, please feel free to ask.

Best,

Anshul Saini