Extra white space when I export images in Illustrator cs6

[KaLeeBunny]

How do I get rid of the white border around my images when I export? I have tried making a clipping mask but for some reason when I export to a picture format I get this weird white uneven border around the images that wasn't there before I exported it.

[Mathias17]

[Justin16 · Accepted solution]

When exporting images from illustrator, you must always select "Use Artboards" when the export dialogue pops up.

[danield66992491]

You saved my life

[claire walker]

saved my life too

[lizzieg27485994]

THANK YOU

[dh1055]

Thanks so much. I love you!!!!!

[chrisw27201649]

cheers a life saver. But a further question... what does Illustrator think its exporting before i click that option - there's no content in the white space. hmmm puzzled

[richo41010265]

You're a lifesaver in 2020! Cheers!

[Duke]

I tried this, but the uneven box is still there. Any other possible solutions?

[Monika Gause]

If the solution in this thread doesn't help you, then please:

1. Create a new thread.

2. Post your version and system and screenshots and an exact description of what's happening.

[arshias92902136]

Ah.. You are such a life saver.

Thanks Alot

[patrick34238]

Adobe should explain that in its "Export" help page; I am fortunate to have found this thread after wasting much time

[Monika Gause]

matth86069857  schrieb

white boarder is still there!

Is the artboard aligned to the pixel grid?

You might want to fix your attitude and your spelling. You're not talking to Adobe here, but to people who try to help you in their spare time.

[Miriam5EFE]

Thank you! 

[stephaniechute26]

OMG! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I've been spending sooo much time trying to figure out what the heck is going on. You're AMAZING!

[mariamineo]

I'm using AI CS6 on MacOS Sierra and I'm not seeing a box to check "Use Artboards". Ugh! What am I doing wrong?

[mariamineo]

Nevermind. I figured it out. I had to reduce the export box to see the "Use Artboards" option. Thanks for the original solution!!

[hooplife]

Hey Justin@Philamedia (or anyone):

So I get the need for artboards ... an advanced question on the same issue ...

When you have a random object off of the artboards ... you can generally "export selection" ... which works great.

EXCEPT when the image uses a clipping mask. Then the exported image takes on random space in a seemingly arbitrary way and it is super annoying.

You can see this example. It is not grouped with anything outside the image... and even the full borders of the clipped images are only a little bit outside of the viewable final image. Where as the exported images is like 5x the area of the viewable image. Thoughts???

(If you highlight or drag and drop the below image to your desktop you can see all the white space added. This was the same using the export tool and export selection command.)

THANKS!

[Cactus_Cowboy]

I get the feeling that a lot of ACP's etc still have a copy of Illustrator CS6 installed alongside the newest version to be able to so reliantly and positively answer so correctly. Either that, or all of you have excellent memories. My guess anyway.

[Justin16]

I never use the "export selection" option in Illustrator for that reason.

When exporting, illustrator seems to export the entire area containing all content within the file, so that means unseen paths, points, text etc. Even if the object is made invisible in the layers panel. Thus, That extra space you are seeing probably indicates there is some sort of object hidden in that white space.   Try pressing Command+Y [Cntrl+Y] to view outlines. This will show you all the objects in your file. Additionally, the Object > Path > Clean Up tool works wonders for those who don't pay attention to the population and organization of their Layers Panel.

When exporting objects in clipping masks, it will factor in the objects hidden behind the clipping mask.

Therefore, I've found it BEST practice to use my artboards as my frame for the export, so I know EXACTLY what will be exported.

So for your instance, you can select the artwork, navigate to Object > Artboards > Fit to Selected Art

Hope this was helpful.  Feel free to reach out with additional questions.

[Justin16]

mariamineosuppliersimkad   & hooplife, see if that helps

[mariamineo]

Thanks @Justin. I understand what you're saying and there are times I forget to clean up those stray, unseen elements. I was trying to "Use Artboards" and couldn't find the option. My problem was merely that I was exporting with the window wide open instead of in the more compact version in which the option to "Use Artboards" is there. I never even realized it's not there when the export window is fully open. But cleaning up those tidbits is something that's easily forgotten.Justin@Philamedia​

[nanettef91668822]

your suggestion of using Ctrl Y was enlightening !!!  so many mystery lines and boxes that I didn't know were there.  thank you so much, it solved my export selection issues.

[StefanieMW]

Thank you so much, Justin! This was exactly my issue!