When working in the Adobe software family, it’s fairly easy to convert an Illustrator file (with the .AI extension) into a Photoshop file (with the .PSD extension). Thanks to this integrated approach, you can take advantage of each program’s unique capabilities to create the best possible design.
Here’s what you need to know to convert an AI file to a PSD file successfully.
Video Tutorial: Converting AI to PSD with Layers
For a fast recap of the instructions below, watch this brief video tutorial.
Paths, Groups, and Layers
Before exporting your AI file to PSD, it’s important to note that Illustrator projects are generally separated into paths and groups:
- Paths are the individual vector shapes that make up a graphic.
- Groups are a folder of paths that can be edited all at once.
However, when you convert AI to PSD, your individual paths will not be automatically transferred as individual Photoshop layers. Instead, you’ll need to create Illustrator layers and group the paths inside them as you see fit. Continue reading the next section to learn how to do so.
How to Convert AI to PSD
Step 1: Placing Paths into Layers
Here’s how to organize your Illustrator paths into layers that can be exported to Photoshop:
- Enable the Layers panel if it isn’t visible by going to Window > Layers.
- Click the New Layer icon at the bottom (which looks like a tiny piece of paper with one corner folded over).
- Drag your paths into the new layer.
- Repeat steps 2–3 for as many layers as you need.
Step 2: Exporting the Project
Once you’ve collected your paths into layers, it’s time to export the Illustrator file and save it as a PSD. Follow these steps:
- Select File > Export > Export As.
- Open the Format submenu and select Photoshop (PSD).
- Click Export.
Step 3: Choosing the Export Settings
Now another dialog box will appear called Photoshop Export Options, with advanced settings that affect color, resolution, layers, and more. Choose the following settings (or adjust them as needed based on your project specifications):
- In the Color Model menu, select RGB.
- For Resolution, choose Screen (72 ppi).
- Under the Options section, check the boxes for Write Layers and Maximum Editability (so that your Photoshop file will maintain the separate layers that you organized in Illustrator).
Click OK to create the PSD file.
Working in Photoshop
When you launch the new file in Photoshop, all of your layers will be totally visible, including sections that previously stretched beyond the boundaries of your Illustrator artboard.
To replicate the Illustrator project, just create a new Photoshop project with the same dimensions, and then drag your converted Illustrator file into the blank layer.
Cover image via Dsmelnica.
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