Import Adobe PDF files

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

Learn how to use the PDF import options to preview and select specific pages, a range, or all pages for import.

In Illustrator, select File > Open.

In the Open dialog box, select the PDF file, and then select Open.

In the PDF Import Options dialog box, do one of the following:

To open the specific page you selected in the preview, select Previewed Page.
To open specific pages, select Range and then specify the page numbers.
To open the entire file, select All.

Screenshot of the "PDF Import Options" dialog box in Adobe Illustrator. The dialog displays a preview of a multi-page PDF on the upper-left (labeled A), with navigation controls to scroll through pages (B). Options for selecting a specific page, a range of pages, or all pages for import are shown (C, D). An additional checkbox is available for importing PDF pages as links for optimal performance (E). On the right side, a preview of the selected PDF page shows a rocket launching into space. The bottom of the dialog includes "OK" and "Cancel" buttons. — Customize the settings in the PDF Import Options dialog box to import PDF pages.

A. Preview PDF pages B. Specify page number to view thumbnail C. Import a range of pages D. Import all pages E. Import as a linked file

To open the pages of your PDF file as links, select Import PDF pages as links for optimal performance checkbox. If you specify a range, it deselects the checkbox and embeds the pages.

Select OK to continue.

Tip

If you open a multi-page PDF that exceeds Illustrator’s canvas size, an error message appears: Could not open the complete PDF file because it exceeds the available drawing area. Select OK to continue.

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