From Figma to Print: Mastering Adobe Illustrator (AI) and PDF Exports for Your Designs

Figma has become a design powerhouse, streamlining UI creation and collaborative workflows. But for print needs, Adobe Illustrator (AI) often reigns supreme. Here's how to navigate converting your Figma designs into both AI and print-ready PDF formats, ensuring a smooth transition from digital to physical.

Understanding the Export Options:

• Figma to AI: This conversion allows for further editing within Illustrator's vector-based environment. Ideal for complex illustrations or designs requiring precise adjustments.

• Figma to PDF: While Figma offers PDF export, it might not be ideal for professional printing due to limitations in color profiles and bleed areas.

Preparing Your Figma Design for Export:

• Document Size: Set your Figma artboard to match the final printed document size. Account for bleed by extending the artboard beyond the intended cut line (e.g., add 0.5 inches for bleed on a standard 8.5x11 inch document).

• Text Styles: Maintain consistency by creating text styles for headings, body text, and captions. Embed the desired fonts to avoid font substitution issues during export.

• Image Quality: Ensure all embedded images are high-resolution (300 dpi or higher) and saved in a print-friendly format like CMYK JPEG or TIFF.

• Raster vs. Vector: Distinguish between raster (pixel-based) and vector (scalable) elements in your design. Raster elements like photos might require adjustments in Illustrator for optimal printing.

Exporting to Adobe Illustrator (AI):

1. Select the Artboard: Choose the specific Figma artboard you want to export.

2. File Menu: Navigate to the "File" menu and select "Export" followed by "Export As..."

3. Choose Format: Select "Adobe Illustrator (.ai)" from the format dropdown menu.

4. Export Settings: For optimal results, choose "Scale" set to "1x" and "Include Background" unchecked. Click "Export."

Working with the AI File:

• Text Conversion: Text elements might convert to outlines in Illustrator. You'll need to re-apply the text styles you defined in Figma.

• Image Adjustments: For raster images, check the resolution and color profile within Illustrator. Adjust if necessary for high-quality printing.

• Advanced Editing: Illustrator offers powerful vector editing tools. Take advantage of these for further refinement of your design.

Exporting to Print-Ready PDF (Indirect Method):

1. Export to AI: Follow the steps above to export your Figma design as an AI file.

2. Open in Illustrator: Open the exported AI file in Adobe Illustrator.

3. Print Setup: Go to "File" > "Print Setup..." and configure settings like bleed marks, crop marks, and printer marks.

4. Export as PDF: Navigate to "File" > "Export" > "Adobe PDF (Print)." Choose a high-quality press-ready PDF preset.

Alternative PDF Export Methods:

• Third-Party Plugins: Explore Figma plugins that claim to offer print-ready PDF exports with bleed and CMYK conversion. However, these might not offer the same level of control as the indirect method using Illustrator.

• Online PDF Conversion Services: Use online services that convert Figma files to PDFs. Be cautious with such services as they might have limitations on file size, quality, and security.

Choosing the Right Export Method:

• For further editing and fine-tuning in a vector environment, choose AI export.

• For high-quality, print-ready PDFs with precise control over bleed and color profiles, prioritize the indirect method using Illustrator.

Conclusion:

Figma excels at collaborative design, but for print needs, consider exporting to AI or creating print-ready PDFs. By understanding the limitations and leveraging the strengths of both Figma and Illustrator, you can ensure a seamless transition from digital design to a professional printed product.