How to Export from PSD to AI: A Step-by-Step Guide
Many designers and artists often find themselves needing to transfer their designs from Photoshop (PSD) to Adobe Illustrator (AI) for further editing, illustration, or vectorization. While the two software have different capabilities, it is possible to export from PSD to AI seamlessly. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to effectively export your designs from PSD to AI.
Step 1: Organize Layers in Photoshop
Before exporting your design, it’s crucial to ensure that your PSD file is well-organized with layers. This will make the transfer process much smoother and prevent any confusion during the conversion. Make sure to label layers clearly and group related elements together for easier navigation in Illustrator.
Step 2: Save Your PSD File
Once your layers are properly organized, save your PSD file to a location on your computer. This step ensures that you have a backup of the original PSD in case anything goes wrong during the export process.
Step 3: Open Adobe Illustrator
Launch Adobe Illustrator on your computer. Once the program is up and running, you can now proceed to import your PSD file.
Step 4: Import PSD File into Illustrator
In Illustrator, go to File > Open and navigate to the location where you saved your PSD file. Select the PSD file and click “Open.” A dialogue box will appear, prompting you to choose import settings. Make sure to select “Convert Layers to Objects” to maintain the layer structure from Photoshop.
Step 5: Adjust Artboard Size (if necessary)
Your PSD design will be imported onto an artboard in Illustrator. If the dimensions of the artboard do not match that of your PSD file, you may need to adjust the artboard size to accommodate your design. To do this, select the Artboard tool and resize the artboard as needed to fit the entirety of your design.
Step 6: Check for Rasterized Layers
Once your PSD design is imported into Illustrator, it is important to check for any rasterized layers. Illustrator is a vector-based software, so it is designed to work with scalable, non-destructive vector elements. Any rasterized layers will need to be traced or redrawn using the vector tools in Illustrator to maintain the scalability of the design.
Step 7: Save Your AI File
After ensuring that your design is intact and ready for further editing in Illustrator, it’s time to save your file. Go to File > Save As and choose a location on your computer to save the AI file. It is recommended to save the file as an AI format to retain all the layers and editable components.
By following these steps, you can successfully export your designs from Photoshop to Illustrator, preserving the structure and integrity of your original PSD file. This seamless transfer allows you to take advantage of the unique features and tools offered by both Photoshop and Illustrator, ultimately enhancing the quality and versatility of your designs.
