Can we open a . AI with Solidworks?

3D Design Volume Model
1

Hello 

 

I would have liked to know if it was possible to read a . AI with solidworks, in order to create a 2D DWG-like file? Or do I have to use software such as Adobe Illustrator? 

 

Thank you in advance

2

Hello

To my knowledge, this is not possible without having Illustrator installed on the computer.

On the other hand, you can use free converters, such as one of these:

http://www.file-extensions.org/convert-ai-to-dwg

Or online:

https://cloudconvert.com/ai-to-dxf

2 Likes
3

Indeed, after trying several solutions with my graphic designer ... we have abandoned the idea of reading the AI directly on Solidworks.

If it's to put an appearance, ask him to create a JPEG for you instead (and in general he complains because it makes him more work ^^)

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4

.PL said it all.

http://help.solidworks.com/2012/French/SolidWorks/sldworks/Adobe_Illustrator_Files.htm

" To import an Adobe Illustrator file into SolidWorks, CS3 or later must be installed on your system."

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5

@coincoin, no more work? .... it's just an export to do like saving a word in pdf..... I think your graphic designer is screwing you a little to go from AI to jpg

On the other hand yes to go to DXF it must respect the scale and the .... it's a little more complicated for the tracks

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6

With the same problem, our graphic designers generate DXF for us in Adobe Illustrator and it's rolling.

(well, to manipulate it initially, in a SW sketch, it is better to create a block)

 

for their part, they are delighted when we generate AI for them.

7

Hi!

SolidWorks doesn’t natively support importing .ai (Adobe Illustrator) files directly, especially for creating precise 2D geometry like you’d get from a DWG. The typical workflow is to open the .ai file in Adobe Illustrator (or a similar vector editor), and then export it to a format SolidWorks can read — usually DXF or DWG. Make sure to save it as a version compatible with your SolidWorks installation (older DXF versions like R12 sometimes work best).

I usually bounce between formats a lot when prepping files for CAD work, and to keep track of all the steps, settings, and AI-generated file instructions, I use Overchat AI. It lets me integrate ChatGPT right into the browser so I can ask technical questions and keep my workflow notes, file prep prompts, and conversion tips in one place without constantly switching tabs. Helps avoid silly mistakes.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you need specific export settings from Illustrator — happy to share what’s worked for me.