Exporting an InDesign File to AI CC: What You Need to Know
Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator are two powerful tools that designers often use in their creative workflow. While InDesign is primarily used for layout design and document creation, Illustrator is more focused on creating vector graphics and illustrations. But what if you find yourself needing to export an InDesign file to Illustrator? Is it possible, and if so, how can it be done?
The good news is that it is indeed possible to export an InDesign file to Illustrator. This can be useful in situations where you want to further manipulate the elements in your design, add more complex vector graphics, or make specific adjustments that are more efficiently done in Illustrator. However, there are some considerations and best practices to keep in mind when doing so.
First, let’s take a look at how to export an InDesign file to Illustrator CC:
1. Open the InDesign file that you want to export in Adobe InDesign.
2. Select the elements that you want to export to Illustrator. This could be individual objects, text frames, images, or entire pages.
3. Once you have selected the elements, go to “File” > “Export.”
4. In the Export dialog box, choose “Adobe PDF (Print)” as the export format, and then click “Save.”
5. In the Adobe PDF Preset dialog box, select a preset that best fits your needs. For exporting to Illustrator, it’s recommended to choose the “High Quality Print” preset.
6. After choosing the preset, click “Export” to create the PDF file.
7. Open Adobe Illustrator CC and go to “File” > “Open.” Select the PDF file that you exported from InDesign and click “Open.”
8. In the Import PDF dialog box, choose the options that best match your needs for the file and click “OK.”
9. The PDF file will open in Illustrator, allowing you to further edit and manipulate the elements from your original InDesign file.
While this process may seem straightforward, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Text and Fonts: When exporting an InDesign file to Illustrator, be mindful of the fonts and text formatting. In some cases, the fonts may not transfer perfectly from InDesign to Illustrator, which could result in formatting issues. It’s best to outline the fonts in InDesign before exporting to ensure consistency in Illustrator. To do this, select the text frames and go to “Type” > “Create Outlines.”
2. Image Resolution: If your InDesign file contains images, be aware of the resolution and quality of the images when exporting to Illustrator. Depending on the export settings you choose, the images may not retain their original quality. It’s a good practice to use high-resolution images in your InDesign document to ensure optimal quality when exporting to Illustrator.
3. Layers and Organization: Pay attention to how your InDesign file is organized with layers and objects. When importing into Illustrator, the layer structure may not transfer exactly as it was in InDesign. Take some time to reorganize and label your layers and objects in Illustrator to maintain a clean and structured workspace.
It’s important to note that while exporting an InDesign file to Illustrator can be useful, it’s not a perfect one-to-one transfer. There may be some elements that don’t translate perfectly, and you may need to make adjustments as needed in Illustrator.
In conclusion, the ability to export an InDesign file to Illustrator provides designers with added flexibility and control over their designs. By following the proper export procedures and considering the potential limitations, you can seamlessly transition your InDesign layout to Illustrator for further refinement and customization. Keep in mind the text, image resolution, and layer organization considerations to make the most of this workflow. With a careful approach, you can continue to push the boundaries of your creativity and achieve polished, professional results in Adobe Illustrator CC.
