You’ve finished a logo in Adobe Illustrator. Now, someone needs to make changes. Sending the file seems simple. But the recipient needs the editable file. Missing fonts, linked images, or a flattened design could create hassle. To avoid that, you have to share the file in the proper format.
Fortunately, Adobe Illustrator gives you multiple ways to share the file. You can send an AI file directly. Also, you can invite someone to edit a cloud document. You can transfer the Vector Conversion project through a cloud storage service. Here’s more details on how to share an Illustrator File for Sharing.
How To Share An Illustrator File For Editing?
1. Send the Original AI File
2. Package the Illustrator File
3. Share Through Illustrator Cloud Document
4. Share the File Through Google Drive
1. Send the Original AI File
The easiest way to share an Illustrator project is to send the original .AI file. This is the best way when the document contains editable design. It doesn’t depend on external files.
You just need to follow these steps. Open your design in Adobe Illustrator. Then, select File and Save to save the latest changes. If you need a separate version, you should choose “Save As” and give it a name.
After that, you have to check the document for linked images and other external resources. Attach the .AI file to an email. For that, it has to be within the attachment size limit.
Otherwise, you need to upload it to a file-sharing service. Send the file to the recipient with a short explanation of the changes you need.
2. Package the Illustrator File
An Illustrator document relies on files stored on your computer. These include linked images, graphics, and fonts used in the design.
If you send the AI file only, the recipient may discover missing links or changes in fonts. Packaging helps you collect the document along with its supporting resources into one folder.
That makes the whole process easier to transfer. How to package an Illustrator document? Open the project you want to share and save any changes.
Choose the Package option from the File menu. Illustrator will open the packaging options. It allows you to specify where the packaged folder should be created.
You can collect linked graphics and organise them into a separate Links folder. It includes eligible fonts also. It creates a report detailing the document’s resources.
After that, you have to choose the destination and package name, review the settings, and select the Package option. Upload the folder to a cloud storage service to share an Illustrator file for editing.
3. Share Through Illustrator Cloud Document
Thinking about sharing the vector artwork project to make some changes? Another person can access the document through Adobe’s cloud collaboration features.
You can use Illustrator’s Invite to Edit option. This method lets you invite a collaborator to work on a shared cloud document. To do that, open the document in Illustrator.
If it’s saved on your computer, save it as an Illustrator cloud document. Go to the File option from the top and choose Invite to Edit.
Then, enter the recipient’s Adobe account email address. You can add a message explaining what you’d like them to change. The recipient can then access the shared document through Illustrator.
4. Share the File Through Google Drive
Illustrator’s cloud collaboration feature isn’t the only way to transfer an editable file. Cloud Storage like Google Drive can store your AI document and packaged project. This is a useful option when email attachments are too large. Also, you can use it to share several files together.
You have to save your latest AI file. After that, upload the file to your preferred storage service. Then, open the sharing settings for the uploaded item. Invite the recipient by email.
You can create a sharing link with permissions. Keep the access settings in mind. The recipient will need compatible design software to modify the downloaded AI file.
How To Prepare an Illustrator file for sharing?
Sharing the document is a part of the process. You need to make sure the recipient can open it. You have to focus on three common issues.
Check for missing fonts
If your Illustrator file contains editable text, the recipient needs to have the same fonts. Otherwise, Illustrator will substitute another font, changing the appearance. You have a few options. You should ask the recipient to install the required font.
Converting text to outlines turns the text into vector shapes. This helps preserve their appearance. But the recipient can not edit the words as ordinary text. Keep a separate version with live text if future changes are needed.
Make sure linked images are included
Illustrator works with images that are linked to external files. If those source files aren’t available on the recipient’s computer, Illustrator will display missing-link warnings. Before sending the project, you should check the Links panel.
Then, package any required linked graphics. If you choose to send the files separately, maintain their folder structure. Provide clear instructions so the recipient can locate them. Is there anything else on how to share an Illustrator file for editing?
Confirm Design File Is Editable
Sometimes, a design looks like vector artwork on the screen. But it contains a single placed JPEG or PNG image. So, you should check the document before sending it.
If the artwork needs to be modified. make sure the required components are saved as editable objects.
Before handing the project over, take a moment to check some things. You should save the latest version of the Illustrator document. Keep a backup of the original artwork. Those preparations save time for both you and the person receiving the file.
Sum Up
At this point, you should have a clear concept of how to share an Illustrator file for editing. The best way to share an Illustrator file depends on the recipient’s needs.
Sending the original AI file is suitable for simple projects. Packaging is suitable for linked assets and fonts. Cloud documents are a smart choice for collaborative editing.
Do you need an editable vector version of a JPEG or PNG? You can explore our vector artwork conversion services. We will prepare your artwork in a suitable format.
FAQ’s
Can two people edit an Illustrator File at the same time?
No, two people can not edit an Illustrator file at the same time. There is no such option in Adobe Illustrator.
Can you share an Adobe Illustrator file?
You can share Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files using email, Cloud Storage and package option.
How do I send an Illustrator file to someone?
You have to choose the format that matches the receiver’s requirements. After that, you can share the file using any of the above-mentioned methods.