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How Do I Open AI Files in Figma?

Last updated on February 14, 2023 @ 12:50 pm

If you’re a graphic or web designer, you’ve probably heard of Figma. It’s a web-based vector graphics editor that’s gained popularity in recent years for its ease of use and collaborative features.

One thing that sets Figma apart from other vector graphic editors is its ability to open .ai files, which are typically only compatible with Adobe Illustrator. In this article, we’ll show you how to open .ai files in Figma.

To open an .ai file in Figma, simply drag and drop the file into your project workspace. Figma will automatically convert the file into a vector graphic that you can edit using the various tools in the editor. If you need to make any changes to the original file, simply click on the “Edit Original” button in the top-right corner of the workspace.

If for some reason the .ai file won’t open in the Figma workspace, you can go to Adobe Illustrator and Export your assets in SVG format.

Export your AI files asset and save in SVG format

Then go back to the Figma File menu and click the Place image option.

Go to Figma file menu and select Place image

In the pop-up dialog box, select your Illustrator art and click Open.

Select your AI SVG asset and click Open to Figma

Place your image in the Figma canvas and notice that all Adobe Illustrator layers are still editable in Figma.

Place the AI SVG format to your Figma canvas

PRO TIP: If you are trying to open an AI file in Figma, you may be opening the file in the wrong program. AI files can only be opened in Adobe Illustrator. If you try to open an AI file in Figma, you will receive an error message.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all .ai files will convert perfectly into Figma. Some complex files may not convert at all, or they may lose some fidelity in the conversion process. However, for most simple and moderate-complexity .ai files, Figma does a great job of preserving the original design.

In conclusion, opening .ai files in Figma is a simple process that can be done by anyone with a basic understanding of the software. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all .ai files will convert perfectly into Figma format.

Morgan Bash

Morgan Bash

Technology enthusiast and Co-Founder of Women Coders SF.