Export PDF in Adobe Illustrator

In this guide, you will learn how to export a PDF file from Adobe Illustrator. I will explain the different steps necessary to save your illustrations as PDF files seamlessly. PDF files are essential for many applications, especially when it comes to sharing your designs with others or preparing them for printing. Let's get started!

Main Takeaways

• The export function for PDF files in Illustrator is located under "Save As" and not under "Export".
• There are options to customize the PDF settings, although the default values are often sufficient.
• Simply saving as PDF involves entering a filename and clicking on "Save as PDF".

Step-by-Step Guide

To export a PDF file in Adobe Illustrator, follow these simple steps:

First, open Adobe Illustrator and the document you want to save as a PDF. To initiate the saving process, go to the menu at the top left and select the "File" option. This step is crucial to access the right functions.

After clicking on "File", look for the "Save As" option. Many users skip this step and try to save directly through "Export". In this case, it is important to make the right selection since the PDF option is hidden here.

Once you have selected "Save As", a dialog box will open where you can set the saving location on your computer. Here, you can choose the folder where the PDF file should be saved.

In this dialog box, you also have the option to give a name to the PDF file. Choose a descriptive name so you can easily find the file later.

Before proceeding, make sure to select "PDF" from the file type dropdown menu. This is important to save your file in the correct format.

Now that you have everything set up, click on "Save". This will open a new window with all available PDF settings. Here, you can review the different options. Initially, you can choose the default setting as it is suitable for most applications.

If you wish to make further adjustments, you can check the compression settings, for example. There are options to reduce the file size if you want the PDF to be smaller. This is particularly useful when you want to send the file via email or save storage space.

Once you are satisfied with the settings, click on the "Save PDF" button. This will finalize the saving process in PDF format and make the file available to you.

Summary

In this guide, you have learned how to export a PDF file in Adobe Illustrator. The process involves opening the dialog box through "File" and "Save As", setting the file name and type, as well as reviewing and customizing the PDF settings. With these steps, you have the ability to quickly and easily save your designs as PDF files.