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A guide to convert the PSD image file to the AI

by Casey Schmidt  |  November 13, 2019

3 min. read
A wide array of illustrated images.

The PSD has loads of editing potential but it doesn’t always fit the needs of a company. When your business needs to create a project using unique tools, the AI might be the superior format. If this is the case, it’s important to learn how to switch the formats. Use this guide to convert a PSD to AI.

What is a PSD image file?

The PSD image file is the file extension from the Adobe Photoshop program. The PSD is unusual in a sense, as it contains different facets of the same image. It also holds multiple different images. It is ultimately a highly editable image because the program Photoshop was created to extensively change images.

What is an AI image file?

The AI image file is the file extension from the Adobe Illustrator program. The AI is highly scalable and uses a unique graphic type, the vector. Vector graphics are built using different points, which help determine numerous different image factors. Finally, users are able to resize AI files while maintaining their resolution.

A picture of an AI image.
The AI uses vector graphics.

How to convert

There are a few different ways to convert the PSD to AI – we’ll begin with the most direct route. If you have Adobe Illustrator on your computer, you’ll be able to convert it manually. First, open Illustrator. Make sure you create a new document by navigating to the ‘file’ menu and clicking ‘new’. From there, once again use the ‘file’ menu but this time select ‘open’. A window will pop up, allowing you to select the PSD file from your system. Once it’s open, simply save the current document as an AI file.

If you don’t have Adobe Illustrator on your system or want an alternative conversion method, you can try a browser-based converter. If you have a strong internet connection and limited hard drive space, this is likely the best option for you. Only use the browser-based systems if you need a small number of files converted. I recommend the Convertio program for its smooth interface and fast speeds.

The final option is a downloadable program that installs onto your computer. This is a convenient choice for users who have limited internet access, as it can be used without internet access. Furthermore, this choice gives users the chance to convert files in bulk. If this seems like it would be of benefit to you, check out reaConverter. It’s a powerful, downloadable conversion program.

A collection of graphic icons.
There are different ways to convert the PSD to AI.

Why convert?

The PSD is highly editable and is capable of being molded into a lot of different convenient graphic purposes. However, there are some times when users need different things out of their image file types. Converting it into an AI file usually depends on if the graphic will be used in a business setting. When the editing and final result are enterprise-based, a switch to AI makes a lot of sense.

The AI file is very specific to business graphics. Even though the PSD can manipulate graphics in a lot of different ways, it lacks the niche editing the AI can handle. For example, the AI stands out when it comes to brand logos. This is because of its resizability, which becomes more valuable when logos are inevitably used in different advertisements. Finally, the AI is great at things such as text inclusion on graphics. This is something businesses often utilize.

The PSD is an amazing image file for extensive editing. However, it doesn’t work as well when it comes to creating brand images. When you’re looking to make enterprise logos and advertisements, you’ll need something advanced like the AI.