Import AI file Like PSD? (ie Layers)

[Steve Roberts]

This used to be easy before AE has layer groups or whatever — you would import it in layers like a PSD. But noooo … now you have to take all those sub-layers or whatever and manually (in Illustrator) move them into separate Layers. Like real Layers, not those sub-thingies.

The “release to layers” command might work, but I’ve had trouble with it. Maybe searching the COW for “layers” and “Illustrator” might work, as this has been discussed before.

Bitter? Moi? 🙂

[Kevin Camp]

it still works, but you need to save the ai file with pdf compatibility on.

the other thing you have to watch out for, as steve mentioned, is if you used a function like ‘release to layers’ to separate your vectors to separate layers. ai now puts those layers on ‘sub-layers’ which then need to all get pulled out of the empty ‘parent’ layer.

but it is easy, just select all the sub-layers (in the layers palette) and pull them above the ‘parent’. then delete the parent and save with pdf compatibility on. then import as composition.

Kevin Camp
Designer – KCPQ, KMYQ & KRCW

[Steve Roberts]

Excellent description, Kevin. 🙂

[Atomic]

Thanks,

I’ll have to give it a try. (or re-train my designers to save as PDF).

[Kevin Camp]

i actually haven’t tried ‘save as’ pdf… just normal save (as an ai file) but with the ‘pdf compatibility’ check box checked.

saving as a pdf may work, i just haven’t tried it.

Kevin Camp
Designer – KCPQ, KMYQ & KRCW

[Heather Bell]

In AI: Export… > Select format: PSD > Check “Use Artboards” > RGB Medium (150 dpi).
In PS: Open file > Each of the layers is in a folder > click on a folder to convert to layer > Command + E (Merge down) > repeat for each folder that you would like to convert to layer > save.
In AE: Import as normal

Heather Bell
Multimedia Coordinator