Maximum artboard size 2

[jimmyhill]

It seems to me that in Illustrator I can't create an artboard bigger than 577.9cm wide. Is that right or is there some way round that?
We need large (10m+) artboard for signage design for vehicles, buildings etc. Is it that the way to do it is scale the item?

 

[jconingham]

Yes, Illustrator eventually has a limit.
The way to go is exactly that: scale the artwork. You can work on it at any size you want and enlarge it only when printing. It is also a good idea to talk to the people who will be actually printing the work to verify the file specifications (i.e. format, allowed colors, etc.).

 

[jmgalvin]

Just make sure that you keep everything in pure vectors, no rasters. Scaling up doesn't create problems when you have vectors.

Using OSX 10.3.9 & 10.4.11 on a G4, G5 & Intel Macbook

 

[ERIXWORX]

Actually, I work for a company that does a lot of sign layouts, and am constantly running into that problem. This is one area where we have to concede victory to the forces of corel draw.
But that's why vectors ROCK! Be careful when working at a smaller scale; there are some effects & stuff that may not scale as expected.

'There is no LEASH LAW for the IMAGINATION!'
myspace.com/erixworx

 

[jconingham]

effects & stuff that may not scale as expected

In Illustrator you need to check the preferences for scaling strokes and effects in order to avoid such problems.

 

[apepp]

...CS2 does have some problems scaling some effects when printing to a scaled postcript file I have discovered, CS3 however does fine...

...for example...

...in CS2 a placed PSD file underneath text with a stroke applied to text appears not to scale the stroke when printed to postscript, without the PSD graphic it scales fine. The workaround is to use a flattener preset to outline text and strokes on final scaled output...

Andrew

 

[jimmyhill]

Many thanks for your replies, all are very much appreciated. I'll heed that warning about scaling effects.

Would you still agree that using a scaled down AI file is a sound method of producing extra large graphics?

 

[apepp]

...yes, as it is much more manageable on screen to deal with...

...if you start trying to go for actual size on very large graphics, it might become too much for your computer to deal with, and that trusty 'command Z' might become frustrating to use, you know, that 'damn it! didn't want to do that, quick undo!!!'...

...in fact 'command Z' can sometimes be frustrating on a high res A4 sheet with fancy effects, especially with a tight deadline and a proof your boss wants, wandering why it takes so loooooong...

...and you want to turn around and belt him one, then smash your mac up...

...well, i come close a times anyway...

: )

Andrew

 

[jmgalvin]

As long s it's all vector, it's no problem at all. We supply stills, mostly corporate logos, for some of the big screens in Times Square. These are also reproduced on large banners and signs that accompany the promotion, We do them on a standard letter size.

The screens, and banner printers, all require 100% vector. In these cases they want EPS with fonts outlined. There's never been a problem over many hundreds of jobs.

You avoid some of the effects because they introduce rasters which do not blow up well.

Using OSX 10.3.9 & 10.4.11 on a G4, G5 & Intel Macbook