Is there a way to import vector boards from Photosop into Illustrator?

[yash-lucid]

I'm trying to import boards from PS to AI - the artboards in PS contain a mixture of vectors, and vectors from AI embedded as Smart Objects.

I have tried:

- Opening the PSD file in AI - error

- Selecting paths and selecting Export paths to illustrator - does not work

- Saving PSD as PDF and opening in Illustrator - most vectors are raster (probably because they are smart objects)

- Dragging and dropping - no luck

- Copy and pasting - no luck

Is there a solution? If not, is there an equivalent of Overlord plugin (AI to AE) or AEUX plugin (Figma to AE) but for PS to AI?

[Anubhav M]

Hey @yash-lucid,

That does sound frustrating. Could you share a few more details, like which versions of your OS, Illustrator, and Photoshop you're using? A screenshot or screen recording of the error would also really help.

In the meantime, try saving your work as a PDF from Photoshop and then using Place in a new Illustrator file to see if that works.

Let me know how it goes.
Anubhav

[yash-lucid]

I've attached a screen recording of the issue, apolgies for the less than perfect audio.

Just a thought: In the old days of Adobe Flash - there was "Break apart" feature which would un-nest a vector object to make it a directly editable vector, that feature would help if it exists to "un-smart" the vector smart objects, by making them vectors in Adobe - which show up in the Paths panel.

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@Monika Gause video shows why the method suggested doesn't work

[Monika Gause]

Before setting up a file using such kind of methods, always make sure that it will give you the output file you need. Always. So that before making anything complex, you know that it will give you what you need. Now you are stuck.

Smart objects in Photoshop are like placed files, they are like sealed. Photoshop is a raster application. 

[yash-lucid]

I always do - but in many cases when working with agencies, a designer will send you a file like the one I'm querying 

[Bobby Henderson]

Generally speaking, it's usually best to design vector-based objects in an application like Illustrator. If the artwork is a combination of vector-based elements and raster-based elements I think it works better composing those elements together in Illustrator. The resulting artwork is going to be easier to share with other people and easier to use for a greater variety of purposes. A Photoshop PSD file containing smart objects runs a risk of breaking when opened on a different computer.

Vector artwork in Illustrator can be copied and pasted into Photoshop in a couple of different ways. Likewise, it's possible to export vector shape layers or work paths as Illustrator AI files, but I think that process is a bit cumbersome.

[yash-lucid]

I completely agree, I'm overly pedantic about this, even exporting character limbs in a format for animators even if not needed - the issue is that this is what I am working with from an agency and hence my post is asking how I can work with this cumbersome file which I'm completely aware of in it's bloated complexity. I'm not needing advice on how to do this better in future, just if there is a smart workaround for this situation.

[Bobby Henderson]

Unfortunately there isn't any smart workaround. It can be a real pain trying to extract vector contents from a Photoshop file, especially if another person created the Photoshop file and didn't go about things in the right way.

I'm currently dealing with a problem involving a regional bank and changing the branding on exterior signs at a few locations. They created their new logo using Photoshop. We're going back and forth with them trying to get usable vector artwork. Their files have some of the same problems you've been seeing. And, yeah, people at an "ad agency" may have created this artwork, but "ad agency" involvement doesn't automatically guarantee they have competent graphics people who can generate production friendly artwork.

Some people only want to use one application for everything. It's really bad when they decide to use Photoshop for everything and end up trying to complete tasks far better suited for Illustrator or InDesign. They dig people like me into a hole with their bad choices when I have to handle their art files.

[Kurt Gold]

You may want to share at least one of those Photoshop files for inspection, so one can see what kind of workaround may be possible.

[Monika Gause]

Just double click the vector Smart objects in Photoshop should directly open them in Illustrator.

Since smart objects are in a kind of wrapper, they will not be vector paths when you open the PSD file in Illustrator. You would need shape layers for that to work.