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Dave_Draws
Dave_Draws
Inspiring
February 9, 2021
Answered

Is it possible to have Photoshop layers automatically export and update in Illustrator?

  • February 9, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 2285 views

I have a project that involves going back and forth between Photoshop and Illustrator. Essentially, in Photoshop I'm creating a base raster layer, and then in Illustrator I have a few layers on top of text and other vectors. Sometimes what I do with the vectors changes how the raster layer should look, so I go back into Photoshop to manage it.

 

I'd like to have a way to coordinate between the two programs better than always exporting the relevant Photoshop layers as a PNG and opening them in Illustrator.

 

Is it possible to have selected groups or layers in Photoshop be automatically saved and/or exported so that when I open the Illustrator file, the relevant raster images are automatically updated in Illustrator?

 

I thought this was possible with libraries, but I can't seem to get it to work the way I would expect it to work.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler

I wonder if Image Assets may be helpful. 

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/generate-assets-layers.html

3 replies

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
February 11, 2021

I wonder if Image Assets may be helpful. 

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/generate-assets-layers.html

Dave_Draws
Dave_DrawsAuthor
Inspiring
February 12, 2021

This basically does what I needed.

 

It would be nice if there were settings options, to have more control over output directories, and have names separate from layer names. But, I can essentially get to where I need to go a little easier with this feature for now.

 

Thanks for pointing it out!

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 9, 2021

    Hi

    I do this a couple of ways, depending on the image:

    • In Illustrator: File > Place Linked (checkbox in Place dialog) of the PSD, then update links in the Links panel
    • In PS: Place AI file as Smart Object and double click the SO to edit in Illustrator
    • In Illustrator: Export as PSD if I want to use Photoshop's blending modes

    I set the measurements in both files to pixels and confirm the color settings are the same. I never "double-link" (place a linked file back into itself). I only link in one direction, because instinct says it's safer. Excel would call it a Circular Reference.

    • That being said, when I change the image in PS and know my final will be in Illustrator, I need to see it all together. I'll bring the Illustrator file over as a SO (drag and drop works; select only the vector first), make the PS changes, and delete the SO from PS. You have to be very careful with this workflow, but I do it all the time and am used to it now.

    ~ Jane

      Dave_Draws
      Dave_DrawsAuthor
      Inspiring
      February 10, 2021

      Thank you for this response.

       

      As you describe, I need to be able to see how all the component parts will interact, so I need to frequently switch back and forth. I can't see a way of placing the whole PS file, or using the whole Illustrator file as a smart object that wouldn't result in duplicates or circular references.

       

      I was really hoping there was a more modular way to share parts of Photoshop files with Illustrator and vice versa. Perhaps that is simply not possible.

      D Fosse
      Community Expert
      D FosseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 10, 2021

      I honestly don't see how Place Linked could be made any more convenient. It should do exactly what you need.

      D Fosse
      Community Expert
      D FosseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 9, 2021

      File > Place in Illustrator. This gives you a linked file that can be edited in Photoshop, and the link updated in Illustrator.

        Dave_Draws
        Dave_DrawsAuthor
        Inspiring
        February 10, 2021

        Thank you for this response.

         

        However, if I place the whole Photoshop file in Illustrator, I will end up displaying many unwanted layers and components that are duplicated in Illustrator, so I think this might not be a complete solution for me.

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