1. How to Save a File in Affinity Designer as an Ai File

1. How to Save a File in Affinity Designer as an Ai File

When working with design tasks, it’s usually essential to export recordsdata in numerous codecs to satisfy particular necessities or collaborate with others. On the planet of vector graphics, Affinity Designer and Adobe Illustrator are two broadly used software program purposes. When you have created a design in Affinity Designer and wish to reserve it as an Adobe Illustrator (AI) file, this text will information you thru the method seamlessly. Observe the steps outlined beneath 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 totally 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 have to to make use of the export performance inside the software program. After getting opened your design in Affinity Designer, navigate to the “File” menu positioned within the top-left nook of the appliance window. From the drop-down menu, choose the “Export” possibility. This can open the “Export” dialog field, the place you possibly can specify the settings for exporting your file.

Inside the “Export” dialog field, you will see 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 out it. Moreover, you possibly can specify the artboard you need to export by choosing it from the “Artboards” drop-down menu. When you have a number of artboards in your design, you possibly can select to export all of them or simply the chosen ones. After 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 primarily based in your specs, which you should use in Adobe Illustrator or different purposes 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 purposes. Whereas they share many similarities, in addition 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 presents 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 variety of layer sorts, mixing modes, and results that aren’t accessible in different codecs.
  • Environment friendly storage: The .afdesign format is extremely environment friendly, permitting for giant and complicated recordsdata to be saved in a compact measurement. This makes it supreme for sharing and collaborating on tasks.
  • Backward compatibility: Affinity Designer recordsdata are backward suitable, that means that older variations of the appliance can open recordsdata 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 well known {industry} customary. This format has been round for many years and is supported by a variety of software program purposes.

  • Business customary: The .ai format is the de facto customary for vector graphics, making it simple to share and collaborate with different designers who use Adobe Illustrator or suitable software program.
  • Compatibility: The .ai format is suitable with a variety of third-party plugins and extensions, offering designers with entry to an enormous library of extra options.
  • File measurement: The .ai format may end up in bigger file sizes in comparison with Affinity Designer’s .afdesign format, particularly for advanced designs with quite a few layers and results.

Desk: Comparability of Affinity Designer .afdesign and Adobe Illustrator .ai Codecs

Function Affinity Designer .afdesign Adobe Illustrator .ai
File optimization Optimized for Affinity Designer Broadly supported {industry} customary
File measurement Compact May be bigger for advanced designs
Backward compatibility Sure Sure
Plugin assist Restricted to Affinity Designer plugins Wide selection of plugins accessible

Making 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 recordsdata can solely assist a single artboard. Due to this fact, 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 components and click on “Layer” on the highest toolbar. Choose “Flatten”.

Moreover, contemplate eradicating any pointless components, similar to hidden layers or unused objects. This can reduce the file measurement 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 components

Take away or cover earlier than exporting

Exporting to AI Format with the “File > Export” Choice

Step 1: Put together the Affinity Designer Doc

Be sure that your Affinity Designer doc is prepared for exporting to AI format. All layers and components ought to be of their desired positions and visibility. Take into account eradicating any pointless components to attenuate file measurement.

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 your entire doc.
Preset Choose a predefined export preset or create a customized preset with particular settings.
Compression Configure the compression degree for photos embedded within the AI file. Larger compression reduces file measurement however could have an effect on picture high quality.
File Identify Specify the identify and vacation spot folder for the exported AI file.

Step 4: Superior Choices (Optionally available)

Click on the “Extra Choices” button to entry extra export settings similar to:

  • Coloration Mode (RGB, CMYK, Grayscale)
  • Picture DPI
  • Font Embedding
  • Protect Gradient Meshes
  • Export Feedback

Step 5: Export the AI File

After 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 position in sustaining picture high quality. For print-ready paperwork, a decision of 300 DPI or larger is advisable to protect advantageous particulars and keep away from pixelation.

Goal Beneficial Decision (DPI)
Excessive-quality print 300 or larger
Net and display use 72

Coloration Format

The colour format you choose impacts the compatibility and accuracy of colours exported to Adobe Illustrator. For the most effective compatibility, select “CMYK” as the colour mode, because it aligns with the colour area utilized by Illustrator and printing presses.

Compression

Relying in your supposed use, chances are you’ll want to regulate the compression settings to optimize file measurement and high quality. For prime-resolution print recordsdata, use “No compression” to keep away from any degradation in picture high quality. For internet or smaller recordsdata, “ZIP” or “JPEG” compression can cut back file measurement with out sacrificing important 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

Keep a well-organized layer construction, with layers named clearly and logically grouped. This can translate effectively into AI’s layers panel.

Objects

Increase all compound objects and ungroup all teams to keep away from potential compatibility points. Be sure that objects are correctly aligned and positioned.

Strokes

Convert strokes into fills every time attainable, as AI does not straight assist strokes. Choose the stroke object, right-click, and select “Increase Stroke”.

Mixing Modes

Bear in mind that mixing modes could not import completely into AI. Take into account flattening layers with mixing modes or manually re-creating the results 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 Function Beneficial Optimization
Compound Objects Increase
Teams Ungroup
Strokes Increase or convert to fills
Mixing Modes Flatten or re-create in AI
Textual content Convert to outlines

Embedding Fonts to Forestall Font Substitutions

Embedding fonts in your AI file ensures that the fonts utilized in your design can be retained when the file is opened on one other pc. This prevents any undesirable font substitutions that might alter the looks of your design.

To embed fonts in Affinity Designer:

  1. Choose the textual content or objects containing the fonts you need to embed.
  2. Navigate to the “Font” menu and choose “Generate Font Glyphs.”
  3. Within the “Generate Font Glyphs” dialog field, be sure that the “Embed Fonts” checkbox is chosen.
  4. Select the specified settings for embedding, similar to TrueType or OpenType.
  5. Click on “Generate” to embed the fonts into the AI file.
  6. When saving the AI file, choose the “Embrace Fonts” choice to protect the embedded fonts.

Notice:

  • Embedding fonts can enhance the file measurement 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 pc, embedding the fonts ensures that they’ll view and edit your design as supposed.
  • You’ll be able to selectively embed solely the fonts which can be utilized in your design to attenuate file measurement.

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 coloration area.
5. Click on Export.

Resolving Frequent Points Throughout AI Export

File not opening in Adobe Illustrator

Be sure that you are utilizing a suitable 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 develop any appearances or symbols.

Incorrect colours

Be sure that the right coloration area is chosen within the Export dialog field. Additionally, verify in case your Illustrator settings match the colour mode of the exported file.

Gradients or results not exported correctly

Some gradients or results might not be supported in AI. Attempt utilizing easier 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. Notice that this will likely enhance the file measurement.

File measurement too giant

Scale back the decision or take away pointless components from the doc to lower the file measurement. Think about using a lossy compression format, similar to JPEG, for rasterized photos.

Different points

If you happen to encounter some other points, attempt exporting to a special file format, similar to 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 Paintings

Zoom in on the paintings and punctiliously look at it for any distortions, lacking components, or coloration inaccuracies. Be sure 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 components stay current and unmodified.

Checking Hyperlinks

If the Affinity Designer file contained linked photos or graphics, verify if they’ve been efficiently imported into Adobe Illustrator. Be sure that all hyperlinks are legitimate and that the pictures show accurately.

Customized Objects and Results

Look at 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 sure that fonts, sizes, and different textual content attributes have been preserved.

Desk: Extra Concerns for Verifying Import Success

Component Verification Technique
Mixing Modes Apply numerous mixing modes to things and verify if the results are precisely reproduced.
Clipping Masks Look at objects with clipping masks to make sure that they’ve been imported accurately 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:

  1. Open the Affinity Designer file you need to convert.
  2. Click on on the File menu.
  3. Choose Export.
  4. Within the Export dialog field, choose AI from the Format drop-down menu.
  5. Select the specified export settings and click on on the Export button.

Various Strategies for Changing Affinity Designer Recordsdata to AI

Utilizing Adobe Illustrator

When you have Adobe Illustrator put in, you should use it to open and save Affinity Designer recordsdata in AI format. To do that, comply with these steps:

  1. Open Adobe Illustrator.
  2. Click on on the File menu.
  3. Choose Open.
  4. Within the Open dialog field, choose the Affinity Designer file you need to convert.
  5. Click on on the Open button.
  6. As soon as the file is open in Illustrator, click on on the File menu once more.
  7. Choose Save As.
  8. Within the Save As dialog field, choose AI from the Format drop-down menu.
  9. 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 recordsdata to AI format. To make use of a web based converter, comply with these steps:

  1. Go to a web based converter web site.
  2. Click on on the Select File button.
  3. Choose the Affinity Designer file you need to convert.
  4. Click on on the Convert button.
  5. As soon as the conversion is full, click on on the Obtain button to save lots of the AI file.

Suggestions for Changing Affinity Designer Recordsdata to AI

Listed below are a number of ideas for changing Affinity Designer recordsdata to AI:

  • Ensure that the textual content in your Affinity Designer file is transformed to outlines earlier than exporting. This can stop the textual content from changing 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 bother changing a selected file, attempt utilizing a special methodology, similar to utilizing Adobe Illustrator or a web based converter.

Troubleshooting Suggestions 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.

Test File Permissions

Guarantee you’ve got write permissions for the folder the place the AI file can be saved.

Disable {Hardware} Acceleration

Some graphics playing cards expertise compatibility points with Affinity Designer’s AI export. Attempt disabling {hardware} acceleration in this system’s preferences.

Use a Totally different Coloration Profile

Swap to a special coloration profile in Affinity Designer, as sure profiles might not be suitable with AI. Think about using ‘Generic RGB’ or ‘Generic CMYK’.

Simplify Paintings

Advanced paintings with quite a few layers and results could fail to export to AI. Attempt simplifying your design by decreasing layers and eradicating intricate components.

Keep away from Particular Characters

File names containing particular characters (e.g., @, #, %) could cause export points. Rename the file utilizing solely letters and numbers.

Clear Cache

Affinity Designer’s cache can generally accumulate corrupted knowledge. Clear the cache to resolve any export issues.

Restart Affinity Designer

Closing and reopening Affinity Designer can remove momentary glitches that will hinder AI exports.

Replace Affinity Designer

Set up the most recent model of Affinity Designer, as software program updates usually embrace fixes for export-related points.

Contact Assist

If the above options fail, contact Affinity Designer’s assist workforce. They will present personalised 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 Coloration Profile Swap to a suitable coloration profile, similar to ‘Generic RGB’ or ‘Generic CMYK’.

Simplify Paintings Scale back layers and take away intricate components to boost exportability.

Keep away from Particular Characters Use solely letters and numbers in file names to forestall export errors.

Methods to Save File in Affinity Designer as AI File

Saving a file in Affinity Designer as an AI file lets you share it with customers who’ve Adobe Illustrator or different packages that assist AI file format. Here is a step-by-step information on the way to do it:

  1. Open your file in Affinity Designer.
  2. Go to File > Export.
  3. Choose AI because the file sort.
  4. Select the specified export settings. You’ll be able to modify the raster decision, coloration profile, and different choices in response to your wants.
  5. Click on Export.

Folks Additionally Ask About Methods to Save File in Affinity Designer as AI File

Can 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 strategy to convert a PDF file to AI file in Affinity Designer?

Affinity Designer doesn’t have a direct function to transform PDF recordsdata to AI recordsdata. Nevertheless, you possibly can open the PDF file in Affinity Designer after which export it as an AI file.