If you frequently work with Adobe Illustrator, you might find yourself needing to save one specific layer as an .ai file. While Illustrator doesn’t have a built-in feature to do this directly, there are a few workarounds that can achieve the same result. In this article, we will explore some methods to save a single layer in Illustrator as an .ai file.
1. Use the “Export for Screens” Feature:
One way to save a single layer as an .ai file is to use the “Export for Screens” feature in Adobe Illustrator. Here’s how to do it:
– Select the layer that you want to save as an .ai file.
– Go to File > Export > Export for Screens.
– In the “Export for Screens” dialog, choose the format as .ai and set the destination folder.
– Click on the “Export Artboard” button.
2. Use the “Save As” Command:
Another method to save a single layer as an .ai file is to use the “Save As” command within Illustrator:
– Select the layer that you want to save as an .ai file.
– Go to File > Save As.
– In the “Save As” dialog, choose Adobe Illustrator (.ai) as the format.
– Set the destination folder and click on the “Save” button.
3. Use the “Export As” Command:
The “Export As” command can also be utilized to save a specific layer as an .ai file. Here’s how to do it:
– Select the layer that you want to save as an .ai file.
– Go to File > Export > Export As.
– In the “Export As” dialog, choose Adobe Illustrator (.ai) as the format.
– Set the destination folder and click on the “Export” button.
4. Use the “Save a Copy” Command:
You can also use the “Save a Copy” command to save a single layer as an .ai file:
– Select the layer that you want to save as an .ai file.
– Go to File > Save a Copy.
– In the “Save a Copy” dialog, choose Adobe Illustrator (.ai) as the format.
– Set the destination folder and click on the “Save” button.
By using any of these methods, you can effectively save a single layer in Adobe Illustrator as an .ai file. This can be particularly useful when you want to isolate and share specific design elements with others, or when you need to work with specific layers in separate files for organizational purposes.
It’s important to note that saving a single layer as an .ai file does not retain any dynamic properties or editing capabilities associated with the original Illustrator file. The saved .ai file will essentially be a static, single-layer version of the original design. As such, it’s advisable to use this approach when you specifically need to work with individual layers in isolation.
In conclusion, while Adobe Illustrator doesn’t offer a direct “Save Layer as .ai” feature, there are multiple methods to achieve the same result through the “Export for Screens,” “Save As,” “Export As,” and “Save a Copy” commands. These approaches provide flexibility in managing and sharing individual layers within Illustrator files.
