Select File > Export > Export As.
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2026
Move Illustrator artwork into Photoshop to combine vector graphics with photos and raster effects.
Choose your workflow based on editing needs—whether you want to preserve layers, edit vectors, or maintain scalability:
- Export as PSD to preserve layers.
- Paste as a Smart Object for nondestructive scaling.
- Paste as Layers to edit compatible shapes and text.
- Place linked or embedded artwork for reusable assets.
Export artwork as a PSD
Use this method to preserve layer organization while continuing to edit in Photoshop. Illustrator rasterizes vector content during export while keeping supported layers organized.
Choose Photoshop (PSD) from the format menu.
Select a destination and then select Export.
In the Photoshop Export Options dialog, select Write Layers to preserve layer structure.
Select Maximum Editability to optimize layers for Photoshop editing.
Verify that Anti-aliasing and Embed ICC Profiles are selected for optimal image quality.
Select OK.
Note
Overprint fills and some transparency effects are flattened during export and may reduce editability in Photoshop.
Paste artwork as a Smart Object
Preserve vector quality while scaling or editing the original Illustrator file later.
In Illustrator, select the artwork you want to move.
Select Edit > Copy or press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (macOS).
Switch to your Photoshop document.
Select Edit > Paste or press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (macOS).
In the Paste dialog, select Smart Object.
Select OK.
Position the artwork on your canvas and press Enter to confirm placement.
Tip
You can also drag artwork directly from Illustrator into an open Photoshop document to create a Smart Object automatically.
Paste artwork as editable layers
Paste Illustrator content as individual Photoshop layers when you need to edit vector shapes, paths, or text directly in Photoshop. This method converts compatible elements to native Photoshop layer types while maintaining editability.
Photoshop converts compatible objects as follows:
- Shapes → Shape or Path layers
- Text → Editable text layers
- Clipping masks → Vector masks
- Unsupported artwork → Rasterized layers
In Illustrator, select the artwork you want to move.
Select Edit > Copy.
Switch to your Photoshop document.
Select Edit > Paste.
In the Paste dialog, select Layers.
Select OK.
Tip
Use the Properties panel to edit pasted text and shape layers.
Place linked or embedded Illustrator files
- Linked: Smaller Photoshop file and updates automatically.
- Embedded: Self-contained document with no external dependency
In Photoshop, open the document where you want to add Illustrator artwork.
Select File > Place Linked for a linked file, or File > Place Embedded for an embedded file.
Navigate to your Illustrator file and select it.
Select Place.
Position and scale the placed artwork using the transform handles.
Press Enter.
Note
Linked artwork updates automatically when the source Illustrator file changes. Use the Links panel to update or relink files.
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