In Illustrator, select File > Open.
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Smart objects
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Remove objects and fill space
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Remove objects and fill space
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Adjust color
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Open Photoshop files in Illustrator
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn to open, place, link, or embed Photoshop files in Illustrator with control.
Open Photoshop files in Illustrator
To preserve layers, text, and paths when opening Photoshop designs in Illustrator:
Locate the Photoshop file in the Open File dialog box and select Open.
In the Photoshop Import Options dialog box, choose the required settings:
- Convert Layers to Objects: Preserves masks, blend modes, transparency, slices, and image maps, but not adjustment layers or effects.
- Flatten Layers to a Single Image: Merges layers into one editable layer, preserving appearance but removing layer-level editing.
Select OK.
Place Photoshop files in Illustrator
Placing files, such as layer comps, text, and paths, helps preserve Photoshop data. Illustrator imports adjustment layers with visibility turned off, which are restored if exported back to Photoshop.
Place a linked Photoshop image into an Illustrator file
Linking keeps the Photoshop file connected. Changes in the source file are updated in Illustrator.
In Illustrator, select File > Place.
Locate the Photoshop file, select Linked checkbox, and then select Place.
A red X over the image indicates it’s linked and not directly editable.
Embed a Photoshop image into an existing Illustrator file
Embedding copies the artwork into Illustrator, increasing file size and preventing updates when the original file changes.
In Illustrator, select File > Place.
Locate the Photoshop file, ensure Linked checkbox is not selected, and select Show Import Options.
Select Place, then choose the desired import options in the Photoshop Import options dialog box and select OK.
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