Converting Ai to PNG... Is this even possible?

[lc-3]

I'd like to purchase a website template online which denotes that I'd have to use Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, or CorelDRAW to implement it. There's just one problem - I can't use any of these programs. As a matter of fact, I would like to use the template that I found with a "drap and drop" website builder, as opposed to coding. So I got the craziest idea, right? I was thinking, "What if i could covert an entire Ai file to a folder of PNG's?" ..then I could just manually build my website using those PNG's. Is this type of conversion even possible?.. Oh I sure hope so, otherwise it makes no sense for me to subscribe to Illustrator CC. Could someone please point me in the right direction?

Thanks for taking time to read my question, it means a lot ~ LC3

[rcraighead]

Sure, you can convert AI files to PNG, but you'll need AI, PS or some other program to make the conversion. If you are unfamiliar with them there will be a learning curve.

[KCCad13]

Yes, you will need illustrator and just Export each element as PNG files!
I use lyers for each element and then export the layer I want as a PNG (set the quality etc) at that time for the PNG file!

[lc-3]

Awesome responses! Yea, I'm hating the idea of a learning curve. But if CC is capable of the same functionality as the desktop version of Illustrator, then I just might take my chances. As mentioned the Ai file is a website. So I dare to speculate that it consists of so many layers, converting them all separately could become a pretty tedious process. What would be cool is if I could batch convert all Ai layers to PNG in one step. Then I could choose the ones I want for my site a lot more conveniently. - Just dreaming I guess

[Silkrooster]

lc-3 wrote:

Awesome responses! Yea, I'm hating the idea of a learning curve. But if CC is capable of the same functionality as the desktop version of Illustrator, then I just might take my chances.

The CC is the desktop version, there is no web version, never was and well probably won't be. The future is unwritten and I don't happen to have the crystal ball handy, so no guarantees. 

I am wondering if some people get this confused, because it is available on the cloud for download and installing or is it because there is an Ipad/phone version which is a very watered down version meant for quick mock ups?

FYI, if you have photoshop which is available in the full package for cloud subscription, you can open the ai files in photoshop and export the png files. This should work with a batch or image processor but I have not tested it with ai files.

Edit: When writing about the Ipad version, I was thinking about photoshop touch at the time, but there is a vector based IOS app called Ideas. So I wasn't as far off as I thought.

[lc-3]

Well said! Now I just need a response from someone who's experimented with this and I'm good to go! Hint.. Hint.. LOL!

Much appreciated Silkrooster!

[Silkrooster]

The image processor that I mentioned supports jpg, psd and tiff. Converting from ai to any of these three work. So my theory is starting to hold water.

[Silkrooster]

Batch works...

Steps to create action-

1)Click record

2)open 1 ai image

3)save file as a png

4)stop recording

Now close all files in photoshop.

Run Batch (File>Automate>Batch)

Select the name of the action you recorded

Select the name of the folder your ai files are in

Override Open commands

Supress Open Options

Destination: folder

Choose a new folder (I placed one on the desktop for testing)

Override Save as commands

File naming : Document name+2 digit serial number+extention

Starting #1

Errors:stop for errors

Click OK and watch the magic.

Before running this process on your work - I recommend that you create a test folder copy a few ai file into it and test the action. This way if something goes wrong, you did not harm any of your files. Once you are sure it works fine, then go to town on your files.

Good luck and have fun...

[lc-3]

I was just kidding, but what a kind gesture! I'm on the threshold of making the purchase. If I go through with it, I'll update you after I've tried it. I'm so glad that I posted my crazy idea now. ~ This is just awesome!

[Silkrooster · Accepted solution]

Thats how these forums are. You need help, we try to accomplish that goal. Everybody started where you are and everybody loves to succeed in one form or another.

[Monika Gause]

Silkrooster wrote:

FYI, if you have photoshop which is available in the full package for cloud subscription, you can open the ai files in photoshop and export the png files. This should work with a batch or image processor but I have not tested it with ai files.

this will open the AI file flattened -> no objects, no layers

Depending on what exactly that design looks that might or might not work.

Since most designs nowadays are not table based, sliced images anymore, but instead responsive layered elements instead that adapt to different screen sizes (by positioning things differently), I would expect that the Photoshop way could cause some problems.

[lc-3]

I just wanted to take time to thank everybody once more! #blownaway

[sanjay28891]

hi i have one solution

First open the ai file into photoshop

then save it

and then go to save as option

select png format and save

its done

note: in some file it will not work

[thumper71]

I doubt you're still watching, but In the newest version of Illustrator you can simply  go File>Export As and select png from the dropdown menu. MUCH easier!