understanding resolution

[keen01]

Is there a max or min resolution for Illustrator, or does it just depend on your printer or output device. I know you can change the resolution for the paths and meshes. I'm working on a t-shirt and the screen printer told me to send it at a different resolution? In the past few years of working in this I've never come across a resolution problem using Illustrator.
Any info on the subject would be great.
Thank you

 

[jmgalvin]

Illustrator is a vector graphics app, and therefore resolution plays no part in the graphic - unless you choose to rasterize something or all in the Object menu. As long as you save in .ai or .eps format, there simply is no resolution. When you're sending out the .ai or .eps, it's usually best to outline all the fonts so there are no missing font problems at the recipients end. Always save a copy of the Work WITHOUT the fonts outlined because, once outlined, they lose text editing abilities.

ILL is subject to rasterization if you import any raster image (jpeg, tiff, psd, etc). The rasterization from the imprt will carry through into ILL.

If you have to send something out in .jpg or .tiff, it's best to rasterize at a minimum of 300 dpi. If there's text involved, you'll do better at 600 to 1200 dpi.

 

[itchybug]

keen:

What format are you using to send the art to the printer? If you're sending native Illustrator files or eps or pdf, then there should not be any resolution issues. It may be that the printer is asking about raster effect resolution, but for a shirt it seems even 72 dpi should be sufficient. It may be that the printer is opening the files in a raster based application. It may just be this printer is not a good fit for you. Are they unwilling to explain exactly what they mean? If so, shop for a new printer, it will only get worse...

Bert

Bert Philippus

http://www.itchybug.com

http://www.amenpackaging.com

 

[acevans]

If your vendor is opening your vector file in photoshop, photoshop uses the resolution from the previous file opened. Tell him/her to tell photoshop in the opening screen to use the dpi he needs.