> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-6/import-vector-artwork-as-eps.md).

# Import vector artwork as EPS

Bring a vector logo or shape into the Designer as an editable vector outline that can be scaled, extruded, and styled like a native shape layer.

This article covers the EPS import path, the `.ai` limitation, and how Illustrator users should prepare files for import.

## Before you start

**❗ IMPORTANT**

Adobe Illustrator `.ai` files are **not** supported. The file picker accepts `.eps` only. To import Illustrator artwork, export it as EPS from Illustrator first.

EPS import is available in the Designer whenever your license includes the Designer.

### Export from Illustrator to EPS

1. In Illustrator, choose **File > Save a Copy** (or **File > Export**).
2. Set the format to **Illustrator EPS (`.eps`)**.
3. In the EPS Options dialog, accept the defaults and click **OK**.
4. Use the resulting `.eps` file for the import below.

Renaming a `.ai` file to `.eps` is not supported and may produce unpredictable results.

## Import the file

1. Open the graphic in the Designer.
2. Choose **File > Import > Vector**.
3. In the **Choose Vector** dialog, set the filter to **Vector Files (`**.eps`)**, select your file, and click *Open*\*.

The cursor switches to a wait state while the file parses. There is no progress bar; complex vector files with thousands of paths may take a few seconds.

After import, the EPS lands as a CUSTOM-type shape layer. The Designer scales it to fit the canvas with aspect ratio locked.

## What you get

Each EPS file imports as a single shape layer with the original vector outlines preserved. The outlines stay as vector data, not as a rasterized image, so the shape stays crisp at any scale and can be extruded into 3D.

Because the result is a native shape layer, you can:

* Apply any **Style** tab options — fill, stroke, gradient, shadow.
* Extrude the shape for 3D depth using the **3D Face** style controls.
* Animate the shape with keyframes the same as any other layer.

## Multi-element EPS files

If your EPS contains multiple shapes or paths, they import as multiple sub-shapes inside a single shape layer. Per-element selection inside the imported shape is not exposed in the Style tab.

If you need to manipulate each element separately, split the artwork in Illustrator (export each element as its own EPS) and import each file as a separate shape layer.

## Text in vector artwork

If your EPS came from an Illustrator file that contained live text, convert the text to outlines in Illustrator before exporting:

1. In Illustrator, select the text.
2. Choose **Type > Create Outlines**.
3. Save or export the file as EPS.

After this conversion, the text becomes vector outlines and survives the import as shape geometry. It is no longer editable as text. To get editable text on top of the imported vector, add a Designer text layer after import.

## Limitations

* `.ai` files are not supported. Use the export-to-EPS step above.
* `.svg` files are not exposed in the import filter.
* Multi-page EPS files import only as a single combined shape.
* Raster content embedded in an EPS (an EPS that was just a wrapped JPEG, for example) does not produce vector outlines. Use **File > Import > Image** for raster artwork instead.

## Related

* [Import a Photoshop file](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-6/import-a-photoshop-file.md) — for layered raster artwork from Photoshop.
* [Import designs from other tools](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-6.md) — the full chapter index.


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