When creating digital designs in Adobe Illustrator, organizing your work onto artboards is a crucial part of the process. Artboards allow you to compartmentalize your designs, making it easier to manage and export different sections of your project. However, there may be instances where you need to move artboards from one Illustrator file to another. This could be due to collaborative work, archiving, or any other reason. In this article, we will explore the methods of moving artboards from one Illustrator file to another.
Adobe Illustrator provides several ways to transfer artboards between files, each with its own set of benefits and considerations.
1. Copy and Paste:
The most straightforward method of moving artboards is the copy and paste approach. In the original Illustrator file, select the artboard you want to move and copy it (Ctrl + C for Windows or Command + C for Mac). Then, open the destination Illustrator file and paste the artboard (Ctrl + V for Windows or Command + V for Mac) onto the desired location. This method is simple and effective for transferring individual artboards, but it can be time-consuming if you have multiple artboards to move.
2. Export and Import:
Another method is to export the artboard from the original Illustrator file and import it into the destination file. To do this, select the artboard in the original file, then choose “File” > “Export” and select the appropriate file format (e.g., .AI or .PDF). Once the file is exported, open the destination Illustrator file and choose “File” > “Place” to import the exported artboard. This method allows for more control over the placement and size of the imported artboard, and it is suitable for transferring multiple artboards at once.
3. Save As Template:
If you frequently need to transfer a set of artboards between Illustrator files, consider saving the artboards as a template. To do this, create a new document with the desired artboards and content, then choose “File” > “Save As Template.” This will create a .ait file that can be opened as a new document, preserving the original artboards and content. When you need to transfer the artboards to a different Illustrator file, simply open the saved template and copy the necessary elements.
4. Libraries:
Adobe Creative Cloud Libraries provide a convenient way to store and share design elements, including artboards, across different Illustrator files. By adding the artboards to your Creative Cloud Library, you can access and use them in any Illustrator file connected to your Creative Cloud account. To add artboards to your library, select the artboard and choose “Add to Creative Cloud Library.” Then, in the destination Illustrator file, open the Libraries panel and drag the artboards onto the canvas. This method ensures consistency and accessibility of your artboards across different projects.
In conclusion, moving artboards from one Adobe Illustrator file to another can be accomplished through various methods, each offering its unique advantages. Whether it’s copying and pasting, exporting and importing, saving as a template, or utilizing Creative Cloud Libraries, Adobe Illustrator provides the flexibility to transfer artboards efficiently and effectively. Understanding and employing these methods will enhance your workflow and streamline the process of managing and sharing your designs.
