Title: A Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting CAD 2018 to AI 2018 CC
If you are a designer or engineer who works with computer-aided design (CAD) software, you may have encountered the need to export your CAD files to Adobe Illustrator (AI) for further editing and refinement. This can be a crucial step in the design process, especially if you need to create high-quality illustrations or vector graphics based on your CAD drawings. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of exporting CAD 2018 files to AI 2018 CC, the latest version of Adobe Illustrator.
Step 1: Prepare Your CAD File
Before you begin the export process, make sure that your CAD file is prepared for the transfer to Adobe Illustrator. Check for any extraneous layers, unnecessary elements, or objects that you don’t need for the Illustrator file. Simplify the drawing as much as possible to streamline the export process.
Step 2: Save Your CAD File in a Compatible Format
Most CAD software will have an option to save or export files in a format that is compatible with Adobe Illustrator. For CAD 2018, common file formats that can be exported include DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) and DWG (Drawing). In this example, we will use the DXF format for the export.
Step 3: Open Adobe Illustrator CC 2018
Once you have saved your CAD file in the appropriate format, open Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 on your computer. If you don’t have this version, make sure to use a version that is compatible with your CAD software.
Step 4: Import the CAD File
In Illustrator CC, go to “File” and then select “Open.” Navigate to the location where you saved your CAD file and select it. A dialog box will appear, allowing you to configure the import settings for the CAD file. Here, you can specify the scale, layers, and other import options to ensure that the file is brought into Illustrator accurately.
Step 5: Review and Edit the Imported CAD File
Once the CAD file is imported into Illustrator, you can take the time to review and edit it as needed. You may need to adjust the scale, colors, line weights, or other elements of the drawing to align with your design objectives. Illustrator’s robust vector editing tools will enable you to make precise modifications to the imported CAD file.
Step 6: Save or Export the File in AI Format
After you have made the necessary adjustments to the CAD file in Illustrator, you can save or export the file in Adobe Illustrator (AI) format. This will preserve the vector-based nature of the drawing and allow for further editing and manipulation in the future.
Step 7: Finalize the Exported File
Before finalizing the export process, double-check that all elements of the drawing are as you want them to be. Make sure that the file is correctly organized and labeled, as this will make it easier to work with in the future.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly export your CAD 2018 files to AI 2018 CC and take advantage of the powerful vector editing and illustration capabilities of Adobe Illustrator. This process is essential for designers and engineers who need to transition from the precision of CAD to the creative possibilities of vector-based illustration. With careful attention to detail and thoughtful editing, you can create polished and professional graphics that showcase your CAD designs in a new light.
