Resolution in Illustrator

[Jakob]

Where do I set the resolution of a document in Illustrator CS2.

Thanks in advance

[Varelse]

You don’t It’s a vector program.
Just set the document size.
The only resolution that can matter in Illustrator, is the resolution of photos you are using in your design - but that’s “set” outside the Illustrator (for example in Photoshop).

[Jakob]

Thanks Varelse - that makes sense. I’ll stop looking for that feature then

[kirikintha]

If you need to adjust resolution export the graphic for web. That will put it into a pixel format. You can do this in CS2 and do not HAVE to use photoshop. I export everything from Illustrator into png and import into other programs. You can also in CS2 export your files as psd files

[mhulse]

Additionally, take note: “Effect >> Document raster effect settings…”. Change this to target resolution if you end-up using AI filters/effects. For example, here is some info in regards to drop shadow:

@Don

There is a difference in the way Illustrator gives a user to make drop shadows:

1. Filer > Stylize > Drop Shadow… gives you an option to ‘Create Separate Shadows’. If this menu option is used (no matter if ‘Create Separate Shadows’ os checked or not), the drop shadow uses the Document Raster Effects setting. If it’s set to 72 dpi (default) at the point the drop shadow is created, then the drop shadow will be pixelated downstream no matter what. In Document Info, the drop shaow will show as an Embeded Image, and will give the resolution.
2. Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow… doesn’t give an option to ‘Create Separate Shadows’. If this menu option is used, the drop shadow is “live” transparency, and later if the Document Raster Effects setting is changed to 300 dpi, then the drop shadow will output correctly - non-pixelated.

As posted by Don, via Indesign Talk

Also, if you are going to print with your doc, and you are using effects/filters, then you might want to play around with manually flattening the transparency (Object >> Flatten Transparency…) Illustrator usually does a good job flattening automatically on save/export (to some other non-.ai formats), but doing so manually will give you visual feedback on the fly.

@Illustrator CS2 help

To set transparency flattening options for printing

1. Choose File > Print.
2. Select Advanced on the left side of the Print dialog box.
3. Select a flattening preset from the Preset menu, or click Custom to set specific flattening options. (See Transparency flattening options.)
4. If the artwork contains overprinted objects that interact with transparent objects, select an option from the Overprints menu. You can preserve, simulate, or discard overprints.

Note: If the artwork does not contain transparency, the document will not be flattened and the flattening settings are not relevant. Use the Flattener Preview palette to determine which areas of the artwork contain transparency.

Fortunately for me, most printers I deal with prefer the AI source file, so I do not have to worry about much… but it typically is a good idea to talk with printer to see what they require. If you are not sure, and can’t talk to printer, send a few different formats just to be safe: .tif, .eps, .pdf, .ai. Note: some of these formats will have you set a resolution (tiff/pdf/eps).

Also, placed graphics have a resolution to manage… I tend to always link all photos… Put simply, linked graphics will maintain their native resolution.

@Illustrator CS2 help

Linked artwork remains independent of the Illustrator document, resulting in a smaller Illustrator file. You can modify linked artwork using transformation tools and effects; however, you cannot select and edit individual components in the artwork.

For more info, search through the AI help files.

Hth’s…
Cheers,
Micky

[asinover]

@Varelse

You don’t It’s a vector program.
Just set the document size.
The only resolution that can matter in Illustrator, is the resolution of photos you are using in your design - but that’s “set” outside the Illustrator (for example in Photoshop).

:injured: Not strictly true… the designer may have incorporated non-vector elements (images) into a file so resolution is of every importance.

The answer to the original question is:
> Effect > Document Raster Effect Settings > Resolution (screen 72ppi/ Medium 150ppi/ High 300ppi)

Most printers would prefer High or Print Quality 300ppi, whereas CS2 default is often set to screen 72ppi.

[NikhilJoshi]

One can not set the resolution in vector graphics and Illustrator is a vector graphic itself. The images which you import may face some of pixel problem but that to is rectified in photoshop.

[asinover]

@NikhilJoshi

One can not set the resolution in vector graphics and Illustrator is a vector graphic itself. The images which you import may face some of pixel problem but that to is rectified in photoshop.

Yes, vectors are resolution independent, but savvy Illustrators know that if they use any of the Effects that create rasters in Illustrator — such as drop shadows, feathers, or glows — and their artwork is destined for print, they need to change the resolution for these raster effects before saving the file a final time.

Effects > Document Raster Effects > [radio button selection to ppi required: 300 for print]