Resolution 2

[Lyell]

How can I find out whether an .ai file was created in 72ppi or 300 ppi? I'd hoped it would be in the metadata, but even though I've checked resolution in file properties, the field is blank.

Also, once I find out how to find the resolution :^), can I convert a file from one resolution to another?

 

[jmgalvin]

If it's a vector, there's no resolution as the format is resolution independent. Most AI work is vector, but the creator could have used some rasters.

You can use the Document Info window to see it there are rasters in the document. They will show up as Embedded images and the resolution will be noted in the info on each image.

Use the flyout menu on the Doc Info window to select Embedded Images. If none show up there are no rastors.

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

 

[Lyell]

Thanks, friend.

 

[apepp]

...one area in an ai file to be aware of is the document raster effects settings under the effect menu...

...if this is 72dpi then your transparent effects such as drop shadows will be as such...

...color model ought to be CMYK for print, background setting to be transparent, anti-alias and preserve spot colors turned on...

...changing this after the effects have been applied in 72dpi, can change the appearance so may need adjusting slightly...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...for the document info to see embedded images you need to select all the artwork, same is true if the images are linked as opposed to embedded...

...the embedded option in the document info window will not show linked graphics, so your really better off just looking in the links palette (window > links)...

...then click on the "go to link" button bottom of links palette, in the tool bar you will likely see the effective resolution of that image next to "PPI"...

...if the ai file has placed PDF files it becomes a tad more complicated to identify low res graphics...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...forgot to mention that if you come across no image info displaying in the document info palette you need to turn off "selection only" in the flyout menu of the document info palette...

...so all in all the document info palette could be deceiving you if this function is turned on...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...also an embedded image is easier to identify using the links palette, a small icon on the right hand side of the image indicates embedded, if blank it is linked...

...this is why i always tend to use the links palette for image searching...

Andrew

 

[Lyell]

Got it -- thanks, Andrew, as usual!

 

[apepp]

...also worth noting you can re-link embedded graphics using the links palette flyout menu, select the graphic > choose "relink" and navigate to the new image...

...ensure you also have the "link" checkbox selected in the system place dialog window, otherwise it will embed...

...in certain situations you have to embed, but it is often unless otherwise, better to link graphics as an Ai file size can become massive when images are embedded...

...when graphics are linked however, you need to ensure the graphics are in the same folder as the Ai file to avoid confusion if you move images around a lot or end up burning to disk. This saves the task of manually linking the graphics again on a different computer...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...there is also a useful script that comes with illustrator called "collect for output", this will collect linked graphics automatically, that script is found in the illustrator program folder > scripting > sample scripts...

...it won't however collect fonts...

Andrew

 

[Lyell]

Thanks again, Andrew -- I always learn such great stuff here!