When working with design tasks, it’s typically essential to export information in numerous codecs to satisfy particular necessities or collaborate with others. On this planet of vector graphics, Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator are two extensively used software program functions. When you’ve got created a design in Affinity Designer and want to reserve it as an Adobe Illustrator (AI) file, this text will information you thru the method seamlessly. Comply with the steps outlined under to make sure your design is exported efficiently and retains its integrity.
Earlier than continuing with the export course of, it’s essential to grasp that Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator use completely different file codecs natively. Affinity Designer’s native format is .afdesign, whereas Adobe Illustrator makes use of the .ai format. To save lots of your Affinity Designer file as an AI file, you will want to make use of the export performance inside the software program. Upon getting opened your design in Affinity Designer, navigate to the “File” menu situated within the top-left nook of the appliance window. From the drop-down menu, choose the “Export” possibility. This may open the “Export” dialog field, the place you possibly can specify the settings for exporting your file.
Throughout the “Export” dialog field, you can find numerous choices to customise the export course of. Within the “Format” part, you will notice a drop-down menu the place you possibly can choose the file format you need to export to. Find the “Adobe Illustrator (*.ai)” possibility and click on on it to pick it. Moreover, you possibly can specify the artboard you need to export by deciding on it from the “Artboards” drop-down menu. When you’ve got a number of artboards in your design, you possibly can select to export all of them or simply the chosen ones. Upon getting configured the specified settings, click on on the “Export” button to provoke the export course of. Affinity Designer will then generate an AI file based mostly in your specs, which you should utilize in Adobe Illustrator or different functions that assist the AI file format.
Understanding the File Format Variations Between Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator
Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator are two industry-leading vector graphic design functions. Whereas they share many similarities, additionally they have some key variations of their native file codecs.
Affinity Designer’s .afdesign Format
Affinity Designer makes use of its personal proprietary .afdesign file format. This format is tailor-made particularly to the appliance’s wants and affords a variety of benefits, together with:
- Optimized for Affinity Designer: The .afdesign format is designed to take full benefit of Affinity Designer’s distinctive options and workflow. It helps a spread of layer sorts, mixing modes, and results that aren’t accessible in different codecs.
- Environment friendly storage: The .afdesign format is very environment friendly, permitting for giant and complicated information to be saved in a compact dimension. This makes it superb for sharing and collaborating on tasks.
- Backward compatibility: Affinity Designer information are backward appropriate, that means that older variations of the appliance can open information created in newer variations. This ensures that your designs will at all times be accessible.
Adobe Illustrator’s .ai Format
Adobe Illustrator makes use of the .ai format, which is a widely known {industry} normal. This format has been round for many years and is supported by a variety of software program functions.
- Trade normal: The .ai format is the de facto normal for vector graphics, making it simple to share and collaborate with different designers who use Adobe Illustrator or appropriate software program.
- Compatibility: The .ai format is appropriate with a variety of third-party plugins and extensions, offering designers with entry to an enormous library of extra options.
- File dimension: The .ai format can lead to bigger file sizes in comparison with Affinity Designer’s .afdesign format, particularly for complicated designs with quite a few layers and results.
Desk: Comparability of Affinity Designer .afdesign and Adobe Illustrator .ai Codecs
| Characteristic | Affinity Designer .afdesign | Adobe Illustrator .ai |
|---|---|---|
| File optimization | Optimized for Affinity Designer | Extensively supported {industry} normal |
| File dimension | Compact | Will be bigger for complicated designs |
| Backward compatibility | Sure | Sure |
| Plugin assist | Restricted to Affinity Designer plugins | Big selection of plugins accessible |
Getting ready Your Affinity Designer File for AI Export
To make sure a profitable export to the AI format, it is essential to take the next preparatory steps:
Optimizing Your File Construction
Affinity Designer permits for a number of layers and artboards inside a single file. Nevertheless, AI information can solely assist a single artboard. Subsequently, it is important to flatten your design right into a single layer and delete any unused artboards earlier than exporting. Merely choose all the weather in your design, copy them, and paste those you want over onto the brand new artboard. Choose all of those parts and click on “Layer” on the highest toolbar. Choose “Flatten”.
Moreover, think about eradicating any pointless parts, resembling hidden layers or unused objects. This may reduce the file dimension and guarantee a smoother export course of.
Within the following desk, discover a listing of particular concerns for optimizing your Affinity Designer file construction:
|
Component |
Suggestion |
|---|---|
|
Layers |
Flatten right into a single layer |
|
Artboards |
Delete unused artboards |
|
Hidden parts |
Take away or disguise earlier than exporting |
Exporting to AI Format with the “File > Export” Choice
Step 1: Put together the Affinity Designer Doc
Be certain that your Affinity Designer doc is prepared for exporting to AI format. All layers and parts ought to be of their desired positions and visibility. Contemplate eradicating any pointless parts to reduce file dimension.
Step 2: Entry the Export Menu
Go to the “File” menu on the prime of the Affinity Designer window. Hover over the “Export” possibility and choose “AI” (Adobe Illustrator) from the submenu.
Step 3: Configure Export Settings
Within the Export dialog field, take note of the next settings:
| Setting | Rationalization |
|---|---|
| Artboard | Choose the particular artboard you need to export, or select “All” to export all artboards. |
| Export As | Select between “Choice” to export solely chosen objects or “Doc” to export the whole doc. |
| Preset | Choose a predefined export preset or create a customized preset with particular settings. |
| Compression | Configure the compression stage for photos embedded within the AI file. Greater compression reduces file dimension however could have an effect on picture high quality. |
| File Title | Specify the title and vacation spot folder for the exported AI file. |
Step 4: Superior Choices (Elective)
Click on the “Extra Choices” button to entry extra export settings resembling:
- Shade Mode (RGB, CMYK, Grayscale)
- Picture DPI
- Font Embedding
- Protect Gradient Meshes
- Export Feedback
Step 5: Export the AI File
Upon getting configured the export settings, click on the “Export” button to save lots of the doc as an AI file. Affinity Designer will generate the file on the specified location.
Configuring Export Settings for Optimum Compatibility
To make sure most compatibility with Adobe Illustrator, it is essential to configure the export settings meticulously. Listed below are the important thing features to think about:
DPI and Decision
The decision and DPI (dots per inch) of the exported AI file play a significant function in sustaining picture high quality. For print-ready paperwork, a decision of 300 DPI or larger is really useful to protect high-quality particulars and keep away from pixelation.
| Objective | Really helpful Decision (DPI) |
|---|---|
| Excessive-quality print | 300 or larger |
| Net and display screen use | 72 |
Shade Format
The colour format you choose impacts the compatibility and accuracy of colours exported to Adobe Illustrator. For the very best compatibility, select “CMYK” as the colour mode, because it aligns with the colour area utilized by Illustrator and printing presses.
Compression
Relying in your meant use, chances are you’ll want to regulate the compression settings to optimize file dimension and high quality. For top-resolution print information, use “No compression” to keep away from any degradation in picture high quality. For internet or smaller information, “ZIP” or “JPEG” compression can cut back file dimension with out sacrificing vital high quality.
Layers and Objects
When exporting to AI, it is important to think about the group and construction of your Affinity Designer file. To make sure compatibility, it is best to flatten all layers and convert textual content to outlines to keep away from any potential points with fonts or textual content formatting. Moreover, guaranteeing that every one objects are grouped and labeled appropriately can simplify the method of working with the file in Adobe Illustrator.
Optimizing Layers and Objects for AI Import
To make sure a seamless import into Adobe Illustrator, it is essential to optimize your Affinity Designer layers and objects.
Layers
Preserve a well-organized layer construction, with layers named clearly and logically grouped. This may translate properly into AI’s layers panel.
Objects
Develop all compound objects and ungroup all teams to keep away from potential compatibility points. Be certain that objects are correctly aligned and positioned.
Strokes
Convert strokes into fills at any time when doable, as AI does not instantly assist strokes. Choose the stroke object, right-click, and select “Develop Stroke”.
Mixing Modes
Remember that mixing modes could not import completely into AI. Contemplate flattening layers with mixing modes or manually re-creating the consequences in AI.
Textual content
Export textual content as outlines to make sure font compatibility. Choose the textual content, go to “Sort” > “Create Outlines”, and select “Convert to Curves”.
| Affinity Designer Characteristic | Really helpful Optimization |
|---|---|
| Compound Objects | Develop |
| Teams | Ungroup |
| Strokes | Develop or convert to fills |
| Mixing Modes | Flatten or re-create in AI |
| Textual content | Convert to outlines |
Embedding Fonts to Stop Font Substitutions
Embedding fonts in your AI file ensures that the fonts utilized in your design shall be retained when the file is opened on one other laptop. This prevents any undesirable font substitutions that might alter the looks of your design.
To embed fonts in Affinity Designer:
- Choose the textual content or objects containing the fonts you need to embed.
- Navigate to the “Font” menu and choose “Generate Font Glyphs.”
- Within the “Generate Font Glyphs” dialog field, be sure that the “Embed Fonts” checkbox is chosen.
- Select the specified settings for embedding, resembling TrueType or OpenType.
- Click on “Generate” to embed the fonts into the AI file.
- When saving the AI file, choose the “Embody Fonts” choice to protect the embedded fonts.
Observe:
- Embedding fonts can improve the file dimension of your AI file.
- In case you are sharing your AI file with somebody who doesn’t have the identical fonts put in on their laptop, embedding the fonts ensures that they’ll view and edit your design as meant.
- You may selectively embed solely the fonts which are utilized in your design to reduce file dimension.
Exporting as AI in Affinity Designer
1. Open your Affinity Designer doc.
2. Go to File > Export.
3. Within the Export dialog field, choose AI because the file format.
4. Set the specified export choices, such because the decision and colour area.
5. Click on Export.
Resolving Widespread Points Throughout AI Export
File not opening in Adobe Illustrator
Be certain that you are utilizing a appropriate model of Adobe Illustrator. Affinity Designer’s AI export is optimized for Illustrator CS6 or later.
Lacking or distorted objects
Confirm that every one objects are correctly outlined earlier than exporting. Convert textual content to outlines (Layer > Geometry > Convert to Curves) and broaden any appearances or symbols.
Incorrect colours
Be certain that the proper colour area is chosen within the Export dialog field. Additionally, test in case your Illustrator settings match the colour mode of the exported file.
Gradients or results not exported correctly
Some gradients or results will not be supported in AI. Strive utilizing less complicated gradients or rasterizing the affected objects earlier than exporting.
Fonts not embedded
If you wish to embed fonts, choose “Embed All Fonts” within the Export dialog field. Observe that this will improve the file dimension.
File dimension too giant
Cut back the decision or take away pointless parts from the doc to lower the file dimension. Think about using a lossy compression format, resembling JPEG, for rasterized photos.
Different points
In the event you encounter every other points, strive exporting to a unique file format, resembling PDF or SVG, after which opening it in Illustrator.
Verifying Import Success in Adobe Illustrator
Checking the Layers Panel
Within the Layers panel, be sure that every layer from the Affinity Designer file seems as a separate layer in Adobe Illustrator.
Inspecting the Art work
Zoom in on the paintings and thoroughly study it for any distortions, lacking parts, or colour inaccuracies. Be certain that the general composition and design stay intact.
Utilizing Transparency Instruments
Apply transparency results to things inside the paintings. Confirm that the transparency settings are precisely transferred and that objects mix seamlessly with the background.
Exporting and Reopening
Export the paintings from Adobe Illustrator as an AI file. Then, reopen the AI file in Adobe Illustrator to make sure that all parts stay current and unmodified.
Checking Hyperlinks
If the Affinity Designer file contained linked photos or graphics, test if they’ve been efficiently imported into Adobe Illustrator. Be certain that all hyperlinks are legitimate and that the photographs show appropriately.
Customized Objects and Results
Study any customized objects or results utilized in Affinity Designer. Confirm that they’ve been precisely translated into Adobe Illustrator’s equal options.
Textual content Formatting
Examine the textual content formatting within the imported paintings to the unique Affinity Designer file. Be certain that fonts, sizes, and different textual content attributes have been preserved.
Desk: Further Concerns for Verifying Import Success
| Component | Verification Technique |
|---|---|
| Mixing Modes | Apply numerous mixing modes to things and test if the consequences are precisely reproduced. |
| Clipping Masks | Study objects with clipping masks to make sure that they’ve been imported appropriately and that the masking results are intact. |
| Results and Filters | Apply extra results or filters to the paintings in Adobe Illustrator and examine the outcomes to the unique Affinity Designer file. |
Exporting Affinity Designer Recordsdata to AI Format
To save lots of a file from Affinity Designer in AI format, comply with these steps:
- Open the Affinity Designer file you need to convert.
- Click on on the File menu.
- Choose Export.
- Within the Export dialog field, choose AI from the Format drop-down menu.
- Select the specified export settings and click on on the Export button.
Different Strategies for Changing Affinity Designer Recordsdata to AI
Utilizing Adobe Illustrator
When you’ve got Adobe Illustrator put in, you should utilize it to open and save Affinity Designer information in AI format. To do that, comply with these steps:
- Open Adobe Illustrator.
- Click on on the File menu.
- Choose Open.
- Within the Open dialog field, choose the Affinity Designer file you need to convert.
- Click on on the Open button.
- As soon as the file is open in Illustrator, click on on the File menu once more.
- Choose Save As.
- Within the Save As dialog field, choose AI from the Format drop-down menu.
- Select the specified export settings and click on on the Save button.
Utilizing an On-line Converter
There are a number of on-line converters that can be utilized to transform Affinity Designer information to AI format. To make use of an internet converter, comply with these steps:
- Go to an internet converter web site.
- Click on on the Select File button.
- Choose the Affinity Designer file you need to convert.
- Click on on the Convert button.
- As soon as the conversion is full, click on on the Obtain button to save lots of the AI file.
Ideas for Changing Affinity Designer Recordsdata to AI
Listed below are just a few suggestions for changing Affinity Designer information to AI:
- Make it possible for the textual content in your Affinity Designer file is transformed to outlines earlier than exporting. This may stop the textual content from turning into distorted when it’s opened in Illustrator.
- Use the Export Preview function in Affinity Designer to see how your file will look earlier than exporting it.
- In case you are having hassle changing a specific file, strive utilizing a unique methodology, resembling utilizing Adobe Illustrator or an internet converter.
Troubleshooting Ideas for Failed AI Conversions
Guarantee Compatibility
Confirm that Affinity Designer’s model helps exporting to the AI format and that your AI-receiving software program can import the most recent AI model.
Examine File Permissions
Guarantee you may have write permissions for the folder the place the AI file shall be saved.
Disable {Hardware} Acceleration
Some graphics playing cards expertise compatibility points with Affinity Designer’s AI export. Strive disabling {hardware} acceleration in this system’s preferences.
Use a Totally different Shade Profile
Swap to a unique colour profile in Affinity Designer, as sure profiles will not be appropriate with AI. Think about using ‘Generic RGB’ or ‘Generic CMYK’.
Simplify Art work
Advanced paintings with quite a few layers and results could fail to export to AI. Strive simplifying your design by decreasing layers and eradicating intricate parts.
Keep away from Particular Characters
File names containing particular characters (e.g., @, #, %) may cause export points. Rename the file utilizing solely letters and numbers.
Clear Cache
Affinity Designer’s cache can typically accumulate corrupted knowledge. Clear the cache to resolve any export issues.
Restart Affinity Designer
Closing and reopening Affinity Designer can remove non permanent glitches which will hinder AI exports.
Replace Affinity Designer
Set up the most recent model of Affinity Designer, as software program updates typically embody fixes for export-related points.
Contact Assist
If the above options fail, contact Affinity Designer’s assist staff. They will present customized steerage and technical help.
| Troubleshooting Tip | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Guarantee Compatibility | Confirm model compatibility between Affinity Designer and AI-receiving software program. |
| Disable {Hardware} Acceleration | Disable graphics card acceleration in Affinity Designer preferences. |
| Use a Totally different Shade Profile | Swap to a appropriate colour profile, resembling ‘Generic RGB’ or ‘Generic CMYK’. |
| Simplify Art work | Cut back layers and take away intricate parts to boost exportability. |
| Keep away from Particular Characters | Use solely letters and numbers in file names to stop export errors.
The best way to Save File in Affinity Designer as AI FileSaving a file in Affinity Designer as an AI file lets you share it with customers who’ve Adobe Illustrator or different applications that assist AI file format. This is a step-by-step information on learn how to do it:
Folks Additionally Ask About The best way to Save File in Affinity Designer as AI FileCan I edit an AI file saved from Affinity Designer in Illustrator?Sure, you possibly can edit an AI file saved from Affinity Designer in Illustrator with no points. How do I protect layers when exporting to AI file?To protect layers when exporting to an AI file, choose the “Protect Layers” possibility within the export settings. Is there any approach to convert a PDF file to AI file in Affinity Designer?Affinity Designer doesn’t have a direct function to transform PDF information to AI information. Nevertheless, you possibly can open the PDF file in Affinity Designer after which export it as an AI file. |
