SW 2007 Using an .AI file

[dwtlsmith]

I am trying to put an Adobe .AI file into SW. I select the AI file and open. It opens it as a new part but nothing is there. I am wanting to insert the logo onto an existing part. Has anybody had luck doing this.


Thanks
dwtlsmith

 

[rfus]

Did you create the AI file. I have CS2. When the AI file is saved you have the following options in CS2 (but very simialr in 9, 10, and CS):

Create PDF Compatible File
Incluce Linked Files
Embed ICC Profiles
Use Compression

You must make sure that the file is saved with Create PDF Compatible File and Use Compression UNCHECKED. If you recieved the file from someone ask them to save it again with those options unchecked. It is also good to try and only save the layers you need to reduce the amount of overhead in the sketch.

RFUS

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You may have more luck using a Decal (If you have PhotoWorks) or the Sketch Picture feature. You will have to convert the ".ai" file to a bitmap file first though.

 

[Theophilus]

In the case of getting incompatible Illustrator files (such as rfus mentioned), when I cannot get a GOOD file, I import to Photoshop at high resolution and resave as a JPEG. Once in SolidWorks, I insert the image into a sketch and trace over it. (This is similar to what CorBlimeyLimey mentioned above.)

Frankly, I end up retracing within SolidWorks almost every time anyway. The Illustrator files are often of such poor quality (lame non-arc entities, disconnected endpoints, and other headaches) that I'm better off retracing them anyway--particularly if I need to use the geometry for any sort of features. It takes some time, but it's still the fastest way to get the job done right in my experience.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[roguewrench]

Remember that AI does not put everything on the origin. You may need to zoom all to see it. Just a thought, I had this happen.

CJ Goodrich
Product Design Engineer
Leatherman Tool Group
Portland, Oregon

 

[dwtlsmith]

We did not create the AI file here, so we are sending your advice to them.

We did zoom all but still nothing to see.

Thanks

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Unless you intend to use the Illustrator image to create an extruded-cut (emboss, deboss or scribe) you will be further ahead just converting the '.ai' file to a bitmap (.bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .tif, and .wmf) and inserting it into a Sketch Picture or using it as a Decal.