When working with design projects, it is often necessary to export files in various formats to meet specific requirements or collaborate with others. In the world of vector graphics, Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator are two widely used software applications. If you have created a design in Affinity Designer and need to save it as an Adobe Illustrator (AI) file, this article will guide you through the process seamlessly. Follow the steps outlined below to ensure your design is exported successfully and retains its integrity.
Before proceeding with the export process, it is crucial to understand that Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator use different file formats natively. Affinity Designer’s native format is .afdesign, while Adobe Illustrator uses the .ai format. To save your Affinity Designer file as an AI file, you will need to use the export functionality within the software. Once you have opened your design in Affinity Designer, navigate to the “File” menu located in the top-left corner of the application window. From the drop-down menu, select the “Export” option. This will open the “Export” dialog box, where you can specify the settings for exporting your file.
Within the “Export” dialog box, you will find various options to customize the export process. In the “Format” section, you will see a drop-down menu where you can select the file format you want to export to. Locate the “Adobe Illustrator (*.ai)” option and click on it to select it. Additionally, you can specify the artboard you want to export by selecting it from the “Artboards” drop-down menu. If you have multiple artboards in your design, you can choose to export all of them or just the selected ones. Once you have configured the desired settings, click on the “Export” button to initiate the export process. Affinity Designer will then generate an AI file based on your specifications, which you can use in Adobe Illustrator or other applications that support the AI file format.
Understanding the File Format Differences Between Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator
Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator are two industry-leading vector graphic design applications. While they share many similarities, they also have some key differences in their native file formats.
Affinity Designer’s .afdesign Format
Affinity Designer uses its own proprietary .afdesign file format. This format is tailored specifically to the application’s needs and offers a wide range of advantages, including:
- Optimized for Affinity Designer: The .afdesign format is designed to take full advantage of Affinity Designer’s unique features and workflow. It supports a range of layer types, blending modes, and effects that are not available in other formats.
- Efficient storage: The .afdesign format is highly efficient, allowing for large and complex files to be stored in a compact size. This makes it ideal for sharing and collaborating on projects.
- Backward compatibility: Affinity Designer files are backward compatible, meaning that older versions of the application can open files created in newer versions. This ensures that your designs will always be accessible.
Adobe Illustrator’s .ai Format
Adobe Illustrator uses the .ai format, which is a widely recognized industry standard. This format has been around for decades and is supported by a wide range of software applications.
- Industry standard: The .ai format is the de facto standard for vector graphics, making it easy to share and collaborate with other designers who use Adobe Illustrator or compatible software.
- Compatibility: The .ai format is compatible with a wide range of third-party plugins and extensions, providing designers with access to a vast library of additional features.
- File size: The .ai format can result in larger file sizes compared to Affinity Designer’s .afdesign format, especially for complex designs with numerous layers and effects.
Table: Comparison of Affinity Designer .afdesign and Adobe Illustrator .ai Formats
| Feature | Affinity Designer .afdesign | Adobe Illustrator .ai |
|---|---|---|
| File optimization | Optimized for Affinity Designer | Widely supported industry standard |
| File size | Compact | Can be larger for complex designs |
| Backward compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Plugin support | Limited to Affinity Designer plugins | Wide range of plugins available |
Preparing Your Affinity Designer File for AI Export
To ensure a successful export to the AI format, it’s crucial to take the following preparatory steps:
Optimizing Your File Structure
Affinity Designer allows for multiple layers and artboards within a single file. However, AI files can only support a single artboard. Therefore, it’s essential to flatten your design into a single layer and delete any unused artboards before exporting. Simply select all the elements in your design, copy them, and paste the ones you need over onto the new artboard. Select all of these elements and click “Layer” on the top toolbar. Select “Flatten”.
Additionally, consider removing any unnecessary elements, such as hidden layers or unused objects. This will minimize the file size and ensure a smoother export process.
In the following table, find a list of specific considerations for optimizing your Affinity Designer file structure:
|
Element |
Recommendation |
|---|---|
|
Layers |
Flatten into a single layer |
|
Artboards |
Delete unused artboards |
|
Hidden elements |
Remove or hide before exporting |
Exporting to AI Format with the “File > Export” Option
Step 1: Prepare the Affinity Designer Document
Ensure that your Affinity Designer document is ready for exporting to AI format. All layers and elements should be in their desired positions and visibility. Consider removing any unnecessary elements to minimize file size.
Step 2: Access the Export Menu
Go to the “File” menu at the top of the Affinity Designer window. Hover over the “Export” option and select “AI” (Adobe Illustrator) from the submenu.
Step 3: Configure Export Settings
In the Export dialog box, pay attention to the following settings:
| Setting | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Artboard | Select the specific artboard you want to export, or choose “All” to export all artboards. |
| Export As | Choose between “Selection” to export only selected objects or “Document” to export the entire document. |
| Preset | Select a predefined export preset or create a custom preset with specific settings. |
| Compression | Configure the compression level for images embedded in the AI file. Higher compression reduces file size but may affect image quality. |
| File Name | Specify the name and destination folder for the exported AI file. |
Step 4: Advanced Options (Optional)
Click the “More Options” button to access additional export settings such as:
- Color Mode (RGB, CMYK, Grayscale)
- Image DPI
- Font Embedding
- Preserve Gradient Meshes
- Export Comments
Step 5: Export the AI File
Once you have configured the export settings, click the “Export” button to save the document as an AI file. Affinity Designer will generate the file at the specified location.
Configuring Export Settings for Optimal Compatibility
To ensure maximum compatibility with Adobe Illustrator, it’s crucial to configure the export settings meticulously. Here are the key aspects to consider:
DPI and Resolution
The resolution and DPI (dots per inch) of the exported AI file play a vital role in maintaining image quality. For print-ready documents, a resolution of 300 DPI or higher is recommended to preserve fine details and avoid pixelation.
| Purpose | Recommended Resolution (DPI) |
|---|---|
| High-quality print | 300 or higher |
| Web and screen use | 72 |
Color Format
The color format you select affects the compatibility and accuracy of colors exported to Adobe Illustrator. For the best compatibility, choose “CMYK” as the color mode, as it aligns with the color space used by Illustrator and printing presses.
Compression
Depending on your intended use, you may need to adjust the compression settings to optimize file size and quality. For high-resolution print files, use “No compression” to avoid any degradation in image quality. For web or smaller files, “ZIP” or “JPEG” compression can reduce file size without sacrificing significant quality.
Layers and Objects
When exporting to AI, it’s essential to consider the organization and structure of your Affinity Designer file. To ensure compatibility, it’s best to flatten all layers and convert text to outlines to avoid any potential issues with fonts or text formatting. Additionally, ensuring that all objects are grouped and labeled appropriately can simplify the process of working with the file in Adobe Illustrator.
Optimizing Layers and Objects for AI Import
To ensure a seamless import into Adobe Illustrator, it’s crucial to optimize your Affinity Designer layers and objects.
Layers
Maintain a well-organized layer structure, with layers named clearly and logically grouped. This will translate well into AI’s layers panel.
Objects
Expand all compound objects and ungroup all groups to avoid potential compatibility issues. Ensure that objects are properly aligned and positioned.
Strokes
Convert strokes into fills whenever possible, as AI doesn’t directly support strokes. Select the stroke object, right-click, and choose “Expand Stroke”.
Blending Modes
Be aware that blending modes may not import perfectly into AI. Consider flattening layers with blending modes or manually re-creating the effects in AI.
Text
Export text as outlines to ensure font compatibility. Select the text, go to “Type” > “Create Outlines”, and choose “Convert to Curves”.
| Affinity Designer Feature | Recommended Optimization |
|---|---|
| Compound Objects | Expand |
| Groups | Ungroup |
| Strokes | Expand or convert to fills |
| Blending Modes | Flatten or re-create in AI |
| Text | Convert to outlines |
Embedding Fonts to Prevent Font Substitutions
Embedding fonts in your AI file ensures that the fonts used in your design will be retained when the file is opened on another computer. This prevents any unwanted font substitutions that could alter the appearance of your design.
To embed fonts in Affinity Designer:
- Select the text or objects containing the fonts you want to embed.
- Navigate to the “Font” menu and select “Generate Font Glyphs.”
- In the “Generate Font Glyphs” dialog box, ensure that the “Embed Fonts” checkbox is selected.
- Choose the desired settings for embedding, such as TrueType or OpenType.
- Click “Generate” to embed the fonts into the AI file.
- When saving the AI file, select the “Include Fonts” option to preserve the embedded fonts.
Note:
- Embedding fonts can increase the file size of your AI file.
- If you are sharing your AI file with someone who does not have the same fonts installed on their computer, embedding the fonts ensures that they can view and edit your design as intended.
- You can selectively embed only the fonts that are used in your design to minimize file size.
Exporting as AI in Affinity Designer
1. Open your Affinity Designer document.
2. Go to File > Export.
3. In the Export dialog box, select AI as the file format.
4. Set the desired export options, such as the resolution and color space.
5. Click Export.
Resolving Common Issues During AI Export
File not opening in Adobe Illustrator
Ensure that you’re using a compatible version of Adobe Illustrator. Affinity Designer’s AI export is optimized for Illustrator CS6 or later.
Missing or distorted objects
Verify that all objects are properly outlined before exporting. Convert text to outlines (Layer > Geometry > Convert to Curves) and expand any appearances or symbols.
Incorrect colors
Ensure that the correct color space is selected in the Export dialog box. Also, check if your Illustrator settings match the color mode of the exported file.
Gradients or effects not exported properly
Some gradients or effects may not be supported in AI. Try using simpler gradients or rasterizing the affected objects before exporting.
Fonts not embedded
If you want to embed fonts, select “Embed All Fonts” in the Export dialog box. Note that this may increase the file size.
File size too large
Reduce the resolution or remove unnecessary elements from the document to decrease the file size. Consider using a lossy compression format, such as JPEG, for rasterized images.
Other issues
If you encounter any other issues, try exporting to a different file format, such as PDF or SVG, and then opening it in Illustrator.
Verifying Import Success in Adobe Illustrator
Checking the Layers Panel
In the Layers panel, ensure that each layer from the Affinity Designer file appears as a separate layer in Adobe Illustrator.
Inspecting the Artwork
Zoom in on the artwork and carefully examine it for any distortions, missing elements, or color inaccuracies. Ensure that the overall composition and design remain intact.
Using Transparency Tools
Apply transparency effects to objects within the artwork. Verify that the transparency settings are accurately transferred and that objects blend seamlessly with the background.
Exporting and Reopening
Export the artwork from Adobe Illustrator as an AI file. Then, reopen the AI file in Adobe Illustrator to ensure that all elements remain present and unmodified.
Checking Links
If the Affinity Designer file contained linked images or graphics, check if they have been successfully imported into Adobe Illustrator. Ensure that all links are valid and that the images display correctly.
Custom Objects and Effects
Examine any custom objects or effects applied in Affinity Designer. Verify that they have been accurately translated into Adobe Illustrator’s equivalent features.
Text Formatting
Compare the text formatting in the imported artwork to the original Affinity Designer file. Ensure that fonts, sizes, and other text attributes have been preserved.
Table: Additional Considerations for Verifying Import Success
| Element | Verification Method |
|---|---|
| Blending Modes | Apply various blending modes to objects and check if the effects are accurately reproduced. |
| Clipping Masks | Examine objects with clipping masks to ensure that they have been imported correctly and that the masking effects are intact. |
| Effects and Filters | Apply additional effects or filters to the artwork in Adobe Illustrator and compare the results to the original Affinity Designer file. |
Exporting Affinity Designer Files to AI Format
To save a file from Affinity Designer in AI format, follow these steps:
- Open the Affinity Designer file you want to convert.
- Click on the File menu.
- Select Export.
- In the Export dialog box, select AI from the Format drop-down menu.
- Choose the desired export settings and click on the Export button.
Alternative Methods for Converting Affinity Designer Files to AI
Using Adobe Illustrator
If you have Adobe Illustrator installed, you can use it to open and save Affinity Designer files in AI format. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Adobe Illustrator.
- Click on the File menu.
- Select Open.
- In the Open dialog box, select the Affinity Designer file you want to convert.
- Click on the Open button.
- Once the file is open in Illustrator, click on the File menu again.
- Select Save As.
- In the Save As dialog box, select AI from the Format drop-down menu.
- Choose the desired export settings and click on the Save button.
Using an Online Converter
There are several online converters that can be used to convert Affinity Designer files to AI format. To use an online converter, follow these steps:
- Go to an online converter website.
- Click on the Choose File button.
- Select the Affinity Designer file you want to convert.
- Click on the Convert button.
- Once the conversion is complete, click on the Download button to save the AI file.
Tips for Converting Affinity Designer Files to AI
Here are a few tips for converting Affinity Designer files to AI:
- Make sure that the text in your Affinity Designer file is converted to outlines before exporting. This will prevent the text from becoming distorted when it is opened in Illustrator.
- Use the Export Preview feature in Affinity Designer to see how your file will look before exporting it.
- If you are having trouble converting a particular file, try using a different method, such as using Adobe Illustrator or an online converter.
Troubleshooting Tips for Failed AI Conversions
Ensure Compatibility
Verify that Affinity Designer’s version supports exporting to the AI format and that your AI-receiving software can import the latest AI version.
Check File Permissions
Ensure you have write permissions for the folder where the AI file will be saved.
Disable Hardware Acceleration
Some graphics cards experience compatibility issues with Affinity Designer’s AI export. Try disabling hardware acceleration in the program’s preferences.
Use a Different Color Profile
Switch to a different color profile in Affinity Designer, as certain profiles may not be compatible with AI. Consider using ‘Generic RGB’ or ‘Generic CMYK’.
Simplify Artwork
Complex artwork with numerous layers and effects may fail to export to AI. Try simplifying your design by reducing layers and removing intricate elements.
Avoid Special Characters
File names containing special characters (e.g., @, #, %) can cause export issues. Rename the file using only letters and numbers.
Clear Cache
Affinity Designer’s cache can sometimes accumulate corrupted data. Clear the cache to resolve any export problems.
Restart Affinity Designer
Closing and reopening Affinity Designer can eliminate temporary glitches that may hinder AI exports.
Update Affinity Designer
Install the latest version of Affinity Designer, as software updates often include fixes for export-related issues.
Contact Support
If the above solutions fail, contact Affinity Designer’s support team. They can provide personalized guidance and technical assistance.
| Troubleshooting Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Ensure Compatibility | Verify version compatibility between Affinity Designer and AI-receiving software. |
| Disable Hardware Acceleration | Disable graphics card acceleration in Affinity Designer preferences. |
| Use a Different Color Profile | Switch to a compatible color profile, such as ‘Generic RGB’ or ‘Generic CMYK’. |
| Simplify Artwork | Reduce layers and remove intricate elements to enhance exportability. |
| Avoid Special Characters | Use only letters and numbers in file names to prevent export errors.
How to Save File in Affinity Designer as AI FileSaving a file in Affinity Designer as an AI file allows you to share it with users who have Adobe Illustrator or other programs that support AI file format. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
People Also Ask About How to Save File in Affinity Designer as AI FileCan I edit an AI file saved from Affinity Designer in Illustrator?Yes, you can edit an AI file saved from Affinity Designer in Illustrator with no issues. How do I preserve layers when exporting to AI file?To preserve layers when exporting to an AI file, select the “Preserve Layers” option in the export settings. Is there any way to convert a PDF file to AI file in Affinity Designer?Affinity Designer does not have a direct feature to convert PDF files to AI files. However, you can open the PDF file in Affinity Designer and then export it as an AI file. |
