Artwork Not Smooth in Pict Files

[hultquist@adobeforums.com]

Hi,

When I export Illustrator graphics as a PICTs, the graphics in the PICT files aren't smooth anymore. i.e. Curved lines become a series of short connected straight lines and aren't smoothly curved. What can I do to fix this?

I'm using Illustrator 10.0.3, have OS X, my computer is a G5.

Amy

[Larry_G._Schneider@adobeforums.com]

Amy,

PICT files are by definition 72 dpi or screen resolution. You will have to choose a file type that will let you save at a higher resolution in order to preserve the appearance. A TIFF file, an EPS, or Save for Web as a PNG will give better results.

Larry

[Amy_Hultquist@adobeforums.com]

I don't think it's a resolution-thing. The artwork actually looks different, almost like the roughen filter has been applied.

Do you have any other ideas about this?

Amy

[lee_vickers@adobeforums.com]

Is it because PICTs don't support bezier curves? Could they be averaged imto smaller straight lines?

What are the graphics made up of and where are they destined?

[jonf@adobeforums.com]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure picts do support vector paths... though I don't believe it supports vector curves. It will break up the curves into a series of straight lines that approximate the curve. I don't know if there's a way to reset the tolerance. Other changes might be due to antialiasing or other factors.

Pict isn't particularly useful for higher end graphics. Why do you need pict files?

[Amy_Hultquist@adobeforums.com]

I want to import the graphics into Powerpoint. EPS files and Tiffs bring a white background with them, and I want to be able to use the graphics over colors in Powerpoint. The Microsoft clip art that comes with Powerpoint is in Mac Pict format and works great, so I thought that Pict must be the best format to use in this instance.

The curves do appear to be averaged into a series of smaller straight lines.

Amy

[Rene_Garneau@adobeforums.com]

For Powerpoint uses, you can also save your image as a PNG – that will keep the background transparent; maybe it will look better than a PICT... try it.

[Dave_Ferro@adobeforums.com]

How about save for web GIF with transparency?