How to Export CDR to Adobe Illustrator AI

Exporting CorelDRAW (CDR) files to Adobe Illustrator (AI) format is a straightforward process that ensures seamless collaboration between different vector design workflows. This guide provides a direct, step-by-step walkthrough for converting CDR graphics into AI files within CorelDRAW, including configuring export settings for text, layers, and color management to preserve visual fidelity.

Step-by-Step Export Process

  1. Open the File: Launch CorelDRAW and open the CDR project you want to convert.
  2. Select Objects (Optional): If you only want to export specific elements, select them on your canvas. Otherwise, leave everything unselected to export the entire page.
  3. Open the Export Dialog: Go to the top menu and click File > Export, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + E (Windows) or Cmd + E (Mac).
  4. Choose Destination and Format:
    • Select the folder where you want to save your file.
    • Enter a file name.
    • Open the Save as type dropdown menu and select AI - Adobe Illustrator.
    • If you only selected specific graphics in step 2, check the Selected only box.
  5. Click Export: Click the Export button to open the format configuration dialog box.

Configuring AI Export Settings

After clicking Export, the Adobe Illustrator Export dialog box will appear. Adjust these settings to ensure maximum compatibility:

  • Compatibility: Choose the target Adobe Illustrator version. Selecting a version matching or older than the recipient's software (such as CS6 or a recent CC release) ensures the file opens without errors.
  • Export Text As:
    • Choose Curves if the recipient does not have the fonts installed, converting text into vector shapes to preserve exact typography.
    • Choose Text if you need the text to remain fully editable in Illustrator.
  • Preserve:
    • Check Layers if your design relies on a structured layer hierarchy.
    • Check Transparency to maintain opacity and blend modes where supported.
  • Color Mode: Ensure the color mode matches your target output. Select CMYK for print projects or RGB for web and digital displays.

Click OK to complete the export.

Tips for Best Results

  • Complex Effects: CorelDRAW-specific features—such as Contour, Extrude, and interactive drop shadows—may not translate natively. Break these effects apart or convert them to curves/bitmaps before exporting to avoid rendering issues.
  • Mesh Fills: Complex mesh fills can behave unpredictably when moved to Illustrator. Test the exported file in Illustrator to confirm gradient transitions render correctly.
  • Linked Images: If your design includes raster images, ensure they are embedded rather than externally linked to prevent missing asset errors.