inkscape saving as adobe illustrator vector image

Safely Converting Adobe Illustrator Files to Inkscape SVG

When working with vector graphics, converting files between different software can sometimes be a challenge. As an enthusiast in web development and standards, I've had my fair share of experiences with this issue. Recently, I encountered a problem while trying to save Adobe Illustrator files as Inkscape SVGs.

The issue arose when I tried to Save As an Inkscape SVG from an Illustrator file. Despite removing the unwanted content, the branch persisted in the SVG document, resulting in a significantly larger file size. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the file contained references to Adobe Illustrator XML namespaces and other unnecessary data.

To resolve this issue, I decided to explore the contents of the SVG file using a text editor. This allowed me to identify the specific section of code responsible for the increased file size: the preview images or thumbnails. These images were taking up a massive amount of space in my database, which was unacceptable.

After researching the matter, I discovered that Illustrator saves a raster version of the image within the SVG file by default. This is why the file sizes tend to be much larger than equivalent files created with Inkscape alone.

To overcome this issue, I decided to remove the unwanted content from the SVG file. Specifically, I focused on the XML branch containing the preview images and Illustrator-specific data. By removing these elements, I was able to significantly reduce the file size without affecting its functionality.

In addition to removing the preview images, I also removed any other Illustrator-specific data that was not essential for maintaining the integrity of the SVG file. This process involved identifying and deleting unnecessary XML namespaces and code sections.

As a result of these modifications, my SVG files are now significantly smaller and more manageable. Furthermore, I can rest assured that they will remain editable in both Inkscape and Illustrator without any issues.

In conclusion, converting Adobe Illustrator files to Inkscape SVGs requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the file structure. By identifying and removing unnecessary data, you can ensure that your files are optimized for size while maintaining their functionality. With this knowledge, you'll be well-equipped to handle similar conversions in the future.

Inkscape saving as adobe illustrator vector image