Illustrator shuts down while large format TIFF export

[joãod67766944]

I'm trying to export a file for an outdoor billboard (8x3m 300ppi TIFF). Software shuts down in the process. What's the problem?

[Doug A Roberts]

I get an error ("An unknown error caused the operation to fail") after several minutes of progress bar.

It may be simply too large for Illustrator. Does the file need to be a TIFF? Can you use a PDF?

[joãod67766944]

Thank you for the quick response. I can do PDF but it will be a large format scaled down pdf. Thats works form me but i've had problems with some clients and print shops about that. So what would be your recommendation to export this to?

[Doug A Roberts]

You should be able to make a 1:1 scale PDF at that size.

[joãod67766944]

It is on a large scale canvas. Just exported to TIFF with lower ppi and it worked.

[Bobby Henderson]

300ppi at full size is overkill for billboard printing. Most companies who do billboard printing often accept art files at 1" = 1' scale, with raster imagery at 300ppi in that 1" scale. Blown up to full size it works out to 25ppi. That may seem low, but people driving by in vehicles won't be able to tell the difference.

If your billboard face design has vector-based graphics in it, such as lettering, logos and other graphical elements, it would be better to retain those elements in vector format. Exporting the face in TIFF format will rasterize everything. If you export the layout in PDF the vector elements will remain vector-based. The printed face will look better. Plus the file size will probably be smaller and easier/faster to upload to the printing company's server.

[joãod67766944]

Thank you! Very helpful!