Procreate has become a popular choice for digital artists and designers due to its powerful features and intuitive interface. However, one common challenge that many users face is how to open AI files in Procreate. Adobe Illustrator (AI) files are proprietary to Adobe, and Procreate doesn’t natively support the AI file format. But fear not, there are a few workarounds that you can use to open AI files in Procreate.
Convert AI file to PSD:
The most straightforward way to open an AI file in Procreate is to convert it to a PSD (Adobe Photoshop) file. Procreate supports the PSD format and can seamlessly import PSD files. To convert an AI file to PSD, you can use Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop. Open the AI file in either of these programs and then save it as a PSD file. Once you have the PSD file, you can easily import it into Procreate and start working on it.
Use a third-party conversion tool:
If you don’t have access to Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, you can use third-party conversion tools to convert AI files to a format that Procreate supports. There are several online websites and software applications that offer AI to PSD or AI to PNG conversion. Simply upload your AI file to the conversion tool and choose the desired output format. Once the conversion is complete, you can import the converted file into Procreate.
Import as a reference image:
In some cases, you may not need to edit the AI file directly in Procreate, but rather use it as a reference image for your artwork. In this scenario, you can simply import the AI file as a reference image in Procreate. To do this, open the AI file in a program that supports it, take a screenshot, and then import the screenshot into Procreate. This method allows you to use the AI file for reference without needing to edit it directly.
Consider alternative vector apps:
If your AI file contains complex vector graphics that you need to edit, you may want to consider using vector-based apps like Affinity Designer or Adobe Illustrator Draw. These apps have the capability to directly import and edit AI files and are better suited for handling vector graphics compared to Procreate.
In conclusion, opening AI files in Procreate may require a few extra steps, but it is certainly possible with the right tools and methods. Whether you choose to convert the AI file to PSD, use a third-party conversion tool, import it as a reference image, or utilize a different vector-based app, there are various ways to work with AI files in Procreate. With a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can incorporate AI files into your Procreate workflow and create stunning digital artwork.
