decorative banner

Changing the path output resolution


    Curves in artwork are defined by the PostScript interpreter as small line segments; and the smaller the line segments, the more accurate the curve. However, when small line segments are used to draw a curve, the total number of line segments increases, thereby increasing the complexity of the curve. If a curve is too complex for a PostScript interpreter to rasterize, a PostScript error can result, and the curve won't print.

    The output resolution determines the flatness of the curve: A lower output resolution results in greater flatness, and thus longer and fewer line segments. Using a lower output resolution creates a less accurate curve, but improves printing performance.

    Adobe Illustrator prints fastest and best by using a default output resolution setting of 800 dots per inch (dpi). However, in some cases, you might want to decrease the output resolution--for example, if you draw a very long curved path that won't print due to a limit-check error, if printing is slow, or if objects are not being printed at an adequate resolution. To avoid or correct the limit-check error, you can split long paths, as described in Splitting paths to print large, complex shapes, or you can set the output resolution for the document to a lower value.

To change the output resolution:

  1. Choose File > Document Setup, and choose Printing and Export from the pop-up menu at the top of the dialog box.
  2. Enter a value in the Output Resolution text box. Recommended values are between 100 dpi and 300 dpi for printing at 300 dpi, and between 800 and 2400 dpi for printing at 2400 dpi. The limits are 100 and 9600 dpi.
  3. Click OK.