: How do I import a vector illustration into photoshop? I've designed an image in illustrator which is made up of lots of vector objects (as drawn with the pen tool), and now I want to manipulate

@Vandalay110

you can import them using the place or export methods listed above. even though it will import as smart objects, if you double click on them, they will open back up in a.i. so you can adjust them as needed. in photoshop you can adjust size, transform, and add smart filters and still keep original in tact.

[source]http://vectorguru.org/software/how-to-open-and-use-vectors-in-photoshop.html

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@Holmes874

First of all Photoshop is not only an image editing software, you can create 100% vector files in Photoshop with the last versions, I also think that adobe should really work on an easier way to import/export files from AI to PS especially since they added the vector feature in PS.

Anyway the easiest way I found was opening the file in Illustrator and then just select the vector shape, copy and paste it in Photoshop as a Shape Layer (you can also paste it as a rasterized layer and other options). Then you have a 100% editable vector shape in Photoshop. Good luck!

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@Barnes313

Well AI is a Vector Art based program and PS is a image editing software. So you can't get a detailed import of all objects. If you want to do edits use AI but if you want to do Photo Edits (Saturtation, Curves, FX, Etc.) use PS, which will not require a Vector quality PSD Export. instruction shown below.


Creat a new PS Document
Click File
Select Place
Locate your AI Document (Note: Make sure under enable All Readable Documents is selected)
Click Place
Chose PDF options and Place


Or


Open AI Document
Select File
Click Export
Choose File location
Change the Format to Photoshop (psd)
(Optional) Select Use Artboards
Click Export
Go to Photoshop
Click File
Click Open
Locate exported PSD File from Step 7
Click Open


This should import each Layer as a folder, Text as Text, and everything else as a Photoshop Object

Note: Effects will be converted to an Photoshop Object too. Also for best export do not group any objects, create compound paths, etc.

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@Nimeshi706

There is no direct way to move all the paths of an Illustrator file to editable paths in Photoshop witha few easy commands. The best you can do is one path at a time.


You can copy from Illustrator, then Paste in Photoshop as a shape layer. But you'll have to do that for each and every path of your Illustrator file, then reposition all the paths in Photoshop.
You can export your Illustrator file to a PSD to retain layers. But this will not retain editable vector paths.
You can "Place" the Illustrator file in Photoshop, but (as you pointed out) you place as a smart object which does not allow object-level editing within Photoshop.


The question is, why would you even want to? Vectors are sharp, crisp and clean. Nothing you do with Photoshop will result in true vector files. And if you want to apply a buch of raster painting, you may as well rasterize the entire thing.

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