Adobe illustrator 10 User Manual

PDF can represent both vector and bitmap graphics and can also contain electronic 
document search and navigation features. PDF files, for example, can contain hypertext 
links and an electronic table of contents. Because Illustrator can open a PDF file, you can 
use the vector artwork or bitmap images from any PDF file in an Illustrator file.

Macintosh PICT format (PIC) The PICT format is widely used among Macintosh graphics 
and page-layout applications as an intermediary file format for transferring files between 
applications. The PICT format is especially effective at compressing images that contain 
large areas of solid color. 

PNG format Developed as a patent-free alternative to GIF, Portable Network Graphics 
(PNG) format is used for lossless compression and for display of images on the World Wide 
Web. Unlike GIF, PNG supports 24-bit images and produces background transparency 
without jagged edges; however, some Web browsers do not support PNG images. 

PostScript file format (PS) PostScript is a page description language that is built into 
many desktop printers and virtually all high-end printing systems. Because it is built into 
so many printers, most Mac OS, Windows, and UNIX applications can create PostScript files 
for printing. You cannot save PostScript files directly from Illustrator. However, if you’re 
using a PostScript printer, you can use the Print to File option (Windows) or the File option 
in the Destination pop-up menu (Mac OS) in the Print dialog box to create a PostScript file.

The first version of the PostScript file format, PostScript LanguageLevel 1, represents both 
grayscale vector graphics and grayscale bitmap images. The second version, PostScript 
LanguageLevel 2, represents color as well as grayscale vector and bitmap images, and 
supports RGB, CYMK, and CIE-based color models for both vector and bitmap graphics. 
(Some PostScript LanguageLevel 1 files also represent color with extensions to the 
PostScript language that were generalized in PostScript LanguageLevel 2.) PostScript 
LanguageLevel 3 provides additional functionality to LanguageLevel 2, including the 
ability to print mesh objects when printing to a PostScript

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3

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 printer. Since printing to 

PostScript LanguageLevel 1 and LanguageLevel 2 devices converts gradient mesh objects 
to bitmap images, it is preferable to print artwork that contains gradient mesh objects to a 
PostScript 3 printer.

PIXAR format (PXR) The PIXAR format is designed specifically for high-end graphics 
applications, such as those used for rendering three-dimensional images and animation. 

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and Scalable Vector Graphics Compressed (SVGZ) 
formats The Scalable Vector Graphics formats are a World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) 
specification for a standard, two-dimensional vector graphics language for the Web. SVG 
works well with HTML and JavaScript, giving Web designers creative control in designing 
an interactive and dynamic Web experience. (See 

You can reduce file sizes by 50% to 80% using SVGZ format. However, because SVGZ is a 
binary format, you cannot use a text editor to edit SVGZ files.

Note: The SVG plug-in is normally installed with Illustrator. If you need to find the plug-in 
separately, go to the SVG zone on www.adobe.com to download it.