Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 2/14/2011

Question
Hello Kevin

I use Adobe Illustrator to edit some graphs to be finally used in MS word. They are graphically very simple and only contain line a few symbols. My problem is that I cannot maintain quality in both print outs and inside MS Word environment, i.e. when I export the .AI file to wmf or eps I may loose the edges or face distorted dashed-line (the size of dash/gap alters). And when I generate a tiff file though quality is satisfactory in MS Word, in the print outs pics are really hard to see even in 300-400 dpi resolution.
Could you tell me how can I solve the problem?

thanks,

Answer
Hi K1,

I normally save as a PDF and import that into Word as a graphic. However, you must make sure it is 100% actual size in Illustrator and when you import into Word (sometimes word reduces down to 79%). Anything other than 100% will give you distortions and poor quality images.

As for the PDF, I save out as High-Quality setting or Illustrator compatible PDF format. Do not change anything in compression, use the presets. High Quality will be fine for up to 200-300 dpi, anything higher and you will need to go to Press Quality.

Thanks

Kevin