How to Add Vector Images into Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator makes it easy to work with vector images. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding vectors in Illustrator.

There are two main ways to work with vector files in Adobe Illustrator: 1) importing the vector file into an existing project or 2) opening the vector file in a new document. Below, we’ve covered both methods so you can choose the one that works best for your project.

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How To Import a Vector Image Into Adobe Illustrator

If you’re already working on a project and want to use elements from a Shutterstock clipart set, then importing the vector files is a smart choice. Here’s how:

1. Go to File > Place, or press Ctrl + Shift + P (Cmd + Shift + P on Mac).
2. Within the Place dialog box, select the vector file you’d like to import.
3. Click Place.

Note: There are additional settings you can select before placing an item, such as whether to link or embed it in your document. If you want to be able to edit the vector image within the document, make sure the Link box isn’t checked. (If you change your mind later, however, don’t worry — you can always click Embed from the top toolbar!)

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How To Open a Vector Image in Adobe Illustrator

Don’t yet have an Illustrator project started? Then instead of importing a vector file to an existing project, open it in a new document. Here’s how:

1. Open Illustrator and go to File > Open, or press Ctrl + O (Cmd + O on Mac). 
2. Within the Open dialog box, select the vector file. 
3. Click Open or double-click the file name.

Note: If Adobe Illustrator is set as your computer’s default application for editing vector files (such as EPS, AI, and SVG files), then double-clicking the file from your finder window will automatically open it in Illustrator.

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Cover image via KatePilko.

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