[Ai] Image specs

Specs

Starter file

The starter file is the original AI or AIT that users see when they begin the tutorial. 

• Format: AI or AIT
• Note: AIT files are generally smaller than AI files. AIT files also open as an untitled asset in the Tutorial Builder. 
• Color mode: RGB or CMYK; depending on the use case. For instance, if it’s a web icon—RGB. If it’s a poster, RGB or CMYK (RGB are almost always smaller in file size). 
• Color profile: default (RGB: sRGB, CMYK: US Web Coated (SWAP) v2)
• File size: 5MB max, 6 layers max (number of layers can depend on file size—simpler is better unless possibly teaching layers)
• Dimensions:
  • Use standard document presets for projects when it makes sense—depending on the project. (ie postcards, resumes, posters, etc.)
  • Artboards should not exceed 3300 x 5100 px (11x17 in @300ppi).
  • Ensure that all final artwork lives on artboards
  • Standard Size: Below are the recommended sizes for frequently created assets in Illustrator.
    • Print:
      • Letter: 2550 x 3300 px (8.5 x 11 in @300 ppi)
      • Poster: 3300 x 5100 px (11 x 17 in @300 ppi)
      • Postcard (US) 480 x 672 px (5 x 7 in), 384 x 576 px (4 x 6 in)
      • A4: 210 mm x 297 mm
    • Social:
      • IG: 1080 x 1080 px, 1920 x 1080 (Stories)
      • FB: 1200 x 628 px, 1920 x 1080 px (Stories)
      • Twitter banner: 1200x 675 px
      • Pinterest: 1000 x 1500 (H) px
• File name: [tutorial-file-name].ai or [tutorial-file-name].ait
• No special characters or spaces.
• Artboards: Keep to a minimum (1-2).
  • File size effect is minimal, navigating between multiple artboards can be problematic
  • Name artboards either “Artboard 1, Artboard 2, etc” or explicit names. 
  • Avoid keeping names for duplicated artboards like “Artboard 1 copy, Artboard 1 copy 2”
• Document Raster Effects Settings (resolution): Aim for 150 ppi. 
  • If the file size is too large, try 72 ppi. 
  • If the tutorial focuses on effects, like a drop shadow, shoot for higher res (150–300, depending on the effect used, appearance, and file size.
• Linked files: Embedded
• Fonts: Use only Adobe Fonts. Outline fonts unless they play a key role in the tutorial (users need to be able to edit the text).
• Swatches, brushes, other libraries: Avoid saving extraneous swatches, brushes, etc. beyond the default (unless necessary for the tutorial) to keep file size down.

Section images

Specs for static:

• JPG format, sRGB
• 560x280 @2x
• limit: 600kb
• filename convention: [tutorial objective]_[step#] (e.g., for Getting Started Tour: “GS_Tour_Step1”)

Specs for motion

• MP4 format
• 560x280 - size limit 4MB
• Section image template

Working files

• With final delivery, please include all layered PSDs and any original screen captures and edited files created for MP4s. 

Hero image

The hero image is a static image that serves as a preview of the tutorial within Illustrator. Hero images are the “after” image — the end state of the tutorial.

• Format: JPG
• Color profile: RGB (not CMYK); sRGB is recommended
• File size: 600kb max, 72ppi
• Dimensions: 1200x600px
• File name: [tutorial-file-name]_Hero.jpg
• No special characters or spaces.
• Hero image template

Thumbnail image

The thumbnail image is a static image and tutorial preview in the Search Panel. Thumbnail images are the “after” image — the end state of the tutorial.

• Format: JPG
• Color profile: RGB (not CMYK); sRGB is recommended
• File size: 200kb max, 72ppi
• Dimensions: 740x740px
• File name: [tutorial-file-name]_Thumb.jpg
  
• No special characters or spaces.
• Thumbnail image template