How to export from Adobe Illustrator?

If you want to know how to export a design from Adobe Illustrator, it’s easy! Illustrator is an industry standard vector graphics program that we highly recommend for decorative projects. While Illustrator isn’t free, the software comes with a powerful toolset and may merge seamlessly into your workflow if you’re already an Adobe user.

The best part? You can save the native .ai (Adobe Illustrator) file by pressing Ctrl+Shift+S and choosing Save As Type: Adobe Illustrator (*.AI). No special steps or add-ons are required. We’ve found that native .ai files produce the best exports from Adobe Illustrator, so please do not export a DXF from Illustrator. Detailed guidance is available here: Adobe Illustrator Tutorial & Video

After uploading your .ai file for instant pricing, check the part preview and verify that the overall dimensions are correct. All files need to be at 1:1 scale in either millimeters or inch units with no intersecting or duplicate paths.

Take a look at our Illustrator tutorials and file setup checklist for more tips on preparing cut-ready designs!

In Summary

How do export from Adobe Illustrator?

We prefer you to save your Adobe Illustrator files in the native .ai format. Please do not export as a DXF.

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We proudly use hardware by PEM

Flush Standoff, 4-40, .250" Zinc plus Clear Chromate

Aluminum: 5052, 6061, 7075 Steel: Mild, G30

SKUSO-440-8
Thread Size4-40 x .250″
Hole size in sheet (+0.003/-.0.000).168″
Minimum sheet thickness0.040″
Maximum sheet thickness.125″
Fastener materialSteel
Minimum distance hole C/L to edge or bend.250″
When determining the distance between two or more fasteners, you can calculate the distance by the formula, C/L to edge + 1/2 the diameter of the second mounting hole..345″
Recommended panel materialSteel/Aluminum
Coating typeZinc
Length.250″
Aluminum material ranges (5052, 6061, 7075)0.040″-0.125″
Steel material ranges (CRS, HRPO, HR)0.048″-0.119″

We proudly use hardware by PEM

Flush Standoff, 4-40, .250" Passivated

Stainless Steel: 304, 316

SKUSO4-440-8
Thread Size440
Hole size in sheet (+0.003/-.0.000).166″
Minimum sheet thickness0.04″
Maximum sheet thickness.125″
Fastener material400 Stainless Steel
Minimum distance hole C/L to edge or bend.250″
When determining the distance between two or more fasteners, you can calculate the distance by the formula, C/L to edge + 1/2 the diameter of the second mounting hole. Example shown with x2 of the same hardware..313″
Recommended panel materialStainless Steel
Coating typePassivated
Length.250″
304 Stainless Steel material ranges0.048″-0.125″
316 Stainless Steel material ranges0.060″-0.125″