Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 10/14/2008

Question
Hi,
I created a file in ai, saved a copy (as a pdf?) and edited it to add a background in ps. I'm really new at this, as you might see, and I feel totally lost. I was doing fine until I tried to open the file in ai again and it's pixelated! I don't understand what I did or how I should save this so I can open it in ai and continue my work.
Thanks for the help!

Answer
Hi Elaine,

When you opened your AI file in PS, you turned it into a bitmap image, which means it is now restricted by resolution. When you open in PS, it asks you what resolution you want to work in, if this is for print, you should set it for 300 dpi (at least). However, you will also lose all vector (illustrator) images. This is now one flattened image. If you saved over the original, the illustrator work is gone.

My suggestion for future work is to save the background as a separate image from your original work, edit that in PS, then use the file>place in AI to place the edited image back into your file.

Thanks

Kevin