AI to SVG: The Ultimate Conversion Guide


The scalable vector graphic image format has been gaining popularity lately as the preferred format for rendering 2D images on the internet. It has proven itself superior to its counterpart, the AI, or Adobe Illustrator Artwork file extension, created by Adobe Systems to contain vector-based graphics on a single page.

While both file formats focus on vector images, AI files fall a bit short since they are strictly limited subsets of EPS formats. On the other hand, SVG files are XML-based, meaning you can edit them using both a text editor and an image editing program.

The good thing is that, with tools such as the CorelDRAW software, you can easily convert AI to SVG on both Windows and Mac operating systems. Let's delve a bit more into this.

Why you may want to convert your files

There are a lot of reasons why you may want to convert an AI file to an SVG format. The most common reasons include:

SVG files allow for easy editing

One thing that makes AI files hard to use is that they are dependent on Adobe software. If you try opening with your typical editor, it might result in corruption and loss of data. For this reason, it might be easier to convert it to the more edit-friendly SVG, which is also supported by every major browser.

SVG files are scalable

SVG or Scalable Vector Graphics basically means that objects within the files don't pixelate when scaled up or when you zoom in. And since devices have different types of screen resolutions and sizes, scalability and responsive techniques are what help them adjust accordingly. AI files, on the other hand, don't offer the same level of scalability.

The SVG file format was created to share high-quality 2D images on the internet. It is not only SEO friendly, but it's also scalable and easily editable.

How to convert AI to SVG

There are a few ways you can convert AI to SVG. In fact, there are tons of online web platforms out there offering such services. However, most of them result in poor image quality and are not as secure.

The safest and most convenient way of converting AI to SVG is by using dedicated image processing software like CorelDRAW Graphic Suite. Besides its wide array of editing and conversion tools, the software also maintains the quality of your photos. You can do everything from changing a raster image to vector, to converting images to PDF and removing metadata information.

CorelDRAW is also compatible with both Windows and macOS.

To convert AI to SVG, simply follow the steps below:

  • Step one: Download and install the CorelDRAW software.
  • Step two: Navigate to the CorelDRAW shortcut and launch the program.
  • Step three: On the File menu, click on open to find your AI file.
  • Step four: Once the image has successfully opened in CorelDRAW, navigate the menu bar and click on save. Select the SVG file format and save the location.
  • Step five: After saving successfully, go to the save location folder to retrieve the converted SVG file.

Takeaway

The greatest drawback to AI files is that they are tied to Adobe Technologies. And this makes them hard to access using other editing tools. With the rising demand for scalable and responsive image formats for web use, SVG has become the more recommended option.

Hopefully, now, with a little help from CorelDRAW, you can convert your Adobe Illustrator files into SVG and enjoy all its perks. Apart from SVG, CorelDRAW can open and convert AI files to other types of formats such as PDF or JPP. Visit the website page to download a free trial of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite.


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