How to Export Vector from Photoshop to Illustrator: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you’re a seasoned graphic designer or a budding creative, you’ve likely encountered the question of how to export vector from Photoshop to Illustrator. While both programs are powerful tools in their own right, Illustrator excels in creating scalable vector graphics while Photoshop is more suited for raster images. This blog post will guide you through the process of transferring your Photoshop creations into Illustrator, ensuring your designs remain crisp and editable regardless of size.

Why Export Vector from Photoshop to Illustrator?

Before diving into the practical steps, let’s understand why exporting vector from Photoshop to Illustrator is advantageous:

• Scalability: Vector graphics are resolution-independent, meaning they can be resized without losing quality. This is crucial for logos, icons, and illustrations that need to be displayed at various sizes.
• Editability: Vector graphics are composed of mathematical equations, making them easily editable. You can modify shapes, colors, and details without compromising the overall quality.
• File Size: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files, making them ideal for web design and online sharing.

Understanding the Limitations

While exporting vector from Photoshop is possible, it’s essential to acknowledge some limitations:

• Photoshop’s Primary Focus: Photoshop is designed primarily for raster images, which are made up of pixels. While it offers vector tools, they are not as robust as Illustrator’s.
• Vector Conversion: When exporting from Photoshop, you’re essentially converting raster elements into vector approximations. This process might not always result in perfect vector representations, especially for intricate details.

Method 1: Using the “Save As” Option

This method is the simplest and most straightforward way to export vector from Photoshop to Illustrator.
1. Open your Photoshop file. Ensure the layer you want to export is selected.
2. Go to File > Save As.
3. Select “Illustrator (.ai)” from the file type dropdown menu.
4. Choose the desired settings:

• Version: Select the Illustrator version compatible with your project.
• Compatibility: Choose “Illustrator 10” for maximum compatibility.
• Paths: This option determines how paths are saved. Choose “Preserve Paths” for accurate vector representation.

5. Click “Save.”

Method 2: Utilizing the “Paths” Panel

This method offers more control over the vector conversion process.
1. Open your Photoshop file. Ensure the layer you want to export is selected.
2. Go to Window > Paths. This opens the Paths panel.
3. Create a new path:

• Select the Pen Tool (P) and carefully trace the desired shape.
• Close the path: Click on the starting point to complete the shape.

4. Save the path:

• Right-click on the path in the Paths panel.
• Select “Save Path.”
• Choose a name and location for the path file.

5. Open the path file in Illustrator. The path will appear as a vector shape.

Method 3: Leveraging Photoshop’s “Smart Objects”

Smart Objects offer a non-destructive way to work with raster elements in Photoshop. You can export them as vector graphics in Illustrator.
1. Convert your Photoshop layer to a Smart Object:

• Right-click on the layer.
• Select “Convert to Smart Object.”

2. Save the file as an Illustrator file (.ai).
3. Open the AI file in Illustrator. The Smart Object will appear as a linked raster image within a vector container.
4. Double-click the Smart Object: This opens the original Photoshop file.
5. Edit the Smart Object: Make any necessary changes to the raster image.
6. Save the changes. The updates will automatically reflect in the Illustrator file.

Best Practices for Exporting Vector from Photoshop to Illustrator

• Simplify Shapes: Before exporting, streamline complex shapes by simplifying them with the Pathfinder or Pen tools.
• Use Vector Tools: Utilize Photoshop’s vector tools like the Pen Tool, Shape Tools, and Type Tools to create vector elements wherever possible.
• Optimize for Illustrator: When exporting, choose settings that prioritize vector accuracy and compatibility with Illustrator’s capabilities.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

For more complex projects, consider these advanced techniques:

• Live Trace: Photoshop’s Live Trace feature can convert raster images into vector paths. This can be useful for converting complex shapes or images with detailed textures.
• Vectorizing Filters: Photoshop offers various filters specifically designed to vectorize images. These filters can be helpful for converting scanned artwork or photographs into vector graphics.
• Third-party Plugins: Several third-party plugins are available to enhance Photoshop’s vector capabilities. These plugins can streamline the vector exporting process and offer advanced options for converting raster images into vectors.

The Final Word: Achieving Seamless Vector Transfer

Exporting vector from Photoshop to Illustrator is a valuable skill for any graphic designer. By understanding the methods and best practices outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth transfer of your designs, preserving their quality and editability. Remember, while Photoshop offers limited vector capabilities, these techniques empower you to leverage the power of Illustrator for creating scalable and editable graphics.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Can I export a Photoshop file directly to Illustrator as a vector?
While you can save a Photoshop file as an AI file, it won’t always result in a fully vectorized representation. The conversion process might result in approximations, especially for complex shapes or images with intricate details.
2. What are the best settings for exporting vector from Photoshop?
When exporting, prioritize settings that maximize vector accuracy and compatibility with Illustrator. Choose “Illustrator 10” for compatibility, “Preserve Paths” for accurate vector representation, and ensure your layers are organized and simplified before saving.
3. Can I edit a Smart Object in Illustrator directly?
No, you cannot directly edit a Smart Object in Illustrator. Double-clicking the Smart Object will open the original Photoshop file, allowing you to make changes. These changes will then be reflected in the Illustrator file.
4. What are some alternative methods for converting raster images to vectors?
Besides Photoshop’s Live Trace and vectorizing filters, you can use dedicated vectorization software like CorelDRAW, Inkscape, or Adobe Illustrator itself. These tools offer specialized features for converting raster images into vectors.
5. Is it always better to create vector graphics in Illustrator?
For projects requiring scalability, editability, and small file sizes, Illustrator is the ideal choice. However, Photoshop remains essential for tasks like photo editing, raster-based painting, and creating complex effects that are not easily achievable in Illustrator.