If you’ve ever imported a work path from Photoshop to Illustrator, only to find it’s distorted, you’re not alone. Many designers run into this issue, and the good news is, it’s fixable. Let’s break it down.
Why Does This Happen?
Photoshop and Illustrator use different systems for creating and handling paths. Photoshop relies on pixel-based paths, while Illustrator works in vectors. When a work path from Photoshop is transferred to Illustrator, the conversion can introduce inconsistencies, especially with:
- Anchor Points: Photoshop paths might have extra or unnecessary anchor points, leading to deformation during conversion.
- Resolution Differences: If your Photoshop document has a low resolution, the path may not translate cleanly into Illustrator’s precise vector system.
- Scaling Issues: Paths in Photoshop are tied to the document size and resolution. In Illustrator, the paths may scale differently if not handled properly.
How to Fix It
Here’s how you can prevent or resolve this problem:
- Optimize the Path in Photoshop:
- Before exporting, simplify your path by removing unnecessary anchor points. You can do this using the Pen Tool and the “Simplify” option.
- Export the Path Correctly:
- Go to File > Export > Paths to Illustrator. Ensure you’re exporting the right path and saving it as an .ai file.
- Check Document Resolution:
- Ensure your Photoshop file has a high resolution (300 DPI or more) before exporting. This reduces the chance of deformation.
- Adjust in Illustrator:
- Once imported into Illustrator, select the path and use the “Simplify Path” option (Object > Path > Simplify) to clean up any irregularities.
- Use Smart Object Integration:
- If you’re switching between Photoshop and Illustrator frequently, consider using Smart Objects. They maintain better compatibility between the two programs.
Bonus Tip
If you’re working with complex shapes, you might consider recreating the path directly in Illustrator. It takes more time but ensures precision and avoids deformation altogether.
Need more tips for seamless Photoshop-to-Illustrator workflows? Let us know in the comments!