Browse Tools Top 100
AI PSD
File conversion

Convert AI to PSD

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 16, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert AI to PSD?
Yes - AI converts to PSD.

In Adobe Illustrator, use File > Export > Export As, choose Photoshop (.psd), and select Write Layers to map Illustrator layers to Photoshop layers. If you do not have Illustrator, Photopea opens .ai files and saves to .psd for free.

7 programs
Also to PSD: PSDT · PSB · AFPHOTO

On this page

Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

More free converters

HEIC, PNG, WEBP, MP3 and more - every tool here is free.

Open the toolbox

Why convert AI to PSD?

Photoshop does not open .ai files natively. Moving artwork to PSD lets you use Photoshop's raster editing, blend modes, adjustment layers, and compositing tools. Print shops and studios often need a PSD when a client delivers an .ai logo they want retouched or composited.

How to convert AI to PSD

Adobe Illustrator APP

Go to File > Export > Export As, choose Photoshop (.psd), select Write Layers to preserve layers, set color mode and resolution, and click OK.

Programs that convert AI

Adobe Photoshop
CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Fireworks
Microsoft Expression Design
Adobe Illustrator for Mac
Adobe Fireworks for Mac

About these formats

.AI Adobe Illustrator Artwork

An AI file is an Adobe Illustrator Artwork document - a vector graphics file made by Adobe Illustrator. Most modern AI files are PDF-compatible, so you can open them in Adobe Acrobat…

Open .AI details →
.PSD Adobe Photoshop Document

A PSD file is an Adobe Photoshop Document - the editable, layered working file behind an image, keeping every layer, mask, text and adjustment separate for further editing. Open it in Adobe…

Open .PSD details →

Quality & what to watch

  • PSD is a raster format - all vectors, text, and gradients are rasterized at the resolution set at export time and cannot be scaled up without quality loss.
  • Text in the .ai becomes pixel content in the PSD; there are no live editable text layers in the output.
  • Sub-layers and complex nesting from Illustrator may merge even when Write Layers is selected; some flattening is unavoidable.

Frequently asked questions

Will my Illustrator layers survive in the PSD?
Top-level layers are preserved when you choose Write Layers in Illustrator's export dialog; sub-layers and groups may be merged.
Can GIMP convert AI to PSD?
GIMP can open a PDF-compatible .ai and save as PSD, but the result is always a single flat layer with no layer structure.
Does Photopea preserve Illustrator's layer structure?
Photopea works from the embedded PDF preview, so layer fidelity depends on the artwork's complexity; it does not reconstruct Illustrator's private layer data.
What resolution should I set for the PSD?
Use 72 ppi for screen work and 300 ppi for print. The resolution is fixed at export.