How to Export from Illustrator So Images Aren't Pixelated

Posted on October 09, 2025 by Pixel Art Village Team.

Are you tired of crisp Illustrator graphics turning into blurry exports? This Image to Pixel Art tutorial shows how to export from Illustrator so images aren't pixelated, keeping every sprite ready for Pixel Art Village.

Building on our beginner guide ["How to Pixelate an Image: Image to Pixel Art Beginner Guide"](link-to-first-post), we focus on Illustrator settings, postcard sizing, and quick Canva alternatives.

## The Importance of Clean Exports in Image to Pixel Art

Exporting is the final gatekeeper in Image to Pixel Art creation. Vectors stay sharp in Illustrator, but careless raster settings can ruin the retro look.

- **Quality retention**: High-resolution exports survive the trip to pixel grids.

- **File optimization**: Lightweight files load faster when you share Image to Pixel Art projects.

- **Versatility**: Perfect for sprites, postcards, and multi-platform sharing.

Wondering what is the size of a postcard image to reduce the pixel size? Start large, then scale down steadily.

## Essential Tools for Pixelation-Free Exports

- **Pixel Art Maker with Export Suite**: Import Illustrator PNGs, disable anti-aliasing, and preview changes instantly.

- **Integrated Village Optimizer**: Compresses without smearing pixels and supports batch exports.

- **Village perks**: One-click sharing with alt text like "pixel art village export" for SEO.

Canva works when you need a shortcut—see the quick method below—but Pixel Art Village tools keep things pro-level.

## Step-by-Step: How to Export from Illustrator So Images Aren't Pixelated

### Step 1: Prepare Your Illustrator File

- Clean up paths, limit palettes to 256 colors, and rasterize at 300 PPI.

- For postcard planning, set the artboard to 4x6 inches at 300 DPI (1200x1800 pixels).

### Step 2: Configure Export Settings

- File → Export → Export As → PNG.

- Uncheck anti-aliasing, choose RGB color, and keep resolution at High (300 ppi).

- Use transparent backgrounds for overlays or art-optimized crops for tight exports.

### Step 3: How to Pixelate an Image in Canva (Quick Alternative)

- Upload the PNG to Canva, apply the Pixelate effect, and set intensity between 20% and 50%.

- Resize canvases to social-friendly sizes (for example, 1080x1620).

- Export as high-quality PNG before bringing it back to Pixel Art Maker.

### Step 4: Refine and Finalize in Pixel Art Village

- Import the graphic, add grid overlays, and reset dimensions.

- For a postcard vibe, crop to 1000x1500 pixels, then downsample to 64x96 for the final Image to Pixel Art postcard.

- Export with "Optimized PNG" to keep crisp edges.

## Real-World Example: Postcard-Style Village Design

1. Illustrator: 300 PPI vector postcard with houses and trees.

2. Export PNG (1200x1800) with anti-aliasing off.

3. Canva: apply a 30% pixelate filter for texture.

4. Pixel Art Maker: resize to 512x768 and export a clean postcard.

Share the result in our #VillageExports challenge!

## Common Pitfalls (and Fixes)

- Too much anti-aliasing? Disable it before exporting.

- Wrong resolution? Start at 300 PPI and scale down gradually.

- Bloated files? Use the optimizer to stay under 1 MB without quality loss.

## FAQ

**How to export from Illustrator so images aren't pixelated for the web?** PNG with RGB, anti-alias disabled, then refine in Pixel Art Maker.

**How to pixelate an image in Canva without losing detail?** Keep intensity low (around 20%) and finish inside Pixel Art Village.

**What is the size of a postcard image to reduce the pixel size?** Export at 1200x1800 (300 DPI) before downscaling to 64x96 or similar inside the Maker.

**Can Pixel Art Village tools handle batch exports?** Yes—upload multiple Illustrator exports for consistent compression.

## Join the Pixel Art Village Community

Master Illustrator exports, share them in our gallery, and subscribe for the next Image to Pixel Art lesson. Happy exporting!