Vector images from Illustrator into Motion 2. at DVinfo.net

David Scattergood · September 28th, 2009, 04:10 PM

Hi all - not sure if anyone here is ever tried this:
I'm attempting to import a layered image into Motion 2 from Illustrator (CS3) - importing as an AI file - tips via the following link

Apple - Pro - Techniques - Import Photoshop and Illustrator Files Into Motion

Not having AE at hand at the moment. I'm instead using Motion for a test run animation...but I'm fast getting the impression this isn't going to work. The AI file I've imported has none of the original layers and has seemingly been flattened on import. On the other hand, importing them as PSD files worked much better but then the images have been rasterized - I've tried unchecking the Fixed Resolution option in the Media tab in Motion, but the vector images are pixellated on the slightest of 'zoom in'. It's all a bit of a mess to be fair. I've search engined this almost to death to little avail. Anybody here successfully manage to import a layered file from Illustrator into Motion?

Apologies if I've missed anything out - I'm working with the graphics guy on this as it's not really my 'arena'.

Cheers.

Shaun Roemich · September 29th, 2009, 08:33 AM

Motion 3 (not sure if it's the same in 2) allows you to import vector PDFs. Not sure if the layers come in intact. Try it and find out.

David Scattergood · September 29th, 2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun Roemich

Motion 3 (not sure if it's the same in 2) allows you to import vector PDFs. Not sure if the layers come in intact. Try it and find out.

I did manage to import a layered PSD (with the save as PDF option checked on export from Illustrator) but the layers were rasterized (and despite unchecking the fixed resolution tab)...the colours were also off and one or two layers were in fact missing...I think I'll resign myself to the fact Motion (at least Motion 2) doesn't get on well with such files, sadly.

Cheers.

Shaun Roemich · September 29th, 2009, 01:34 PM

Vector PDF files come in as Vector so there is an advantage there. I believe you need to "check" a check box to ensure accurate vector scaling though. You can find the check box in the Inspector when the PFD is selected. It MAY be in one of the Tabs.

EDIT: Just reread your last post. Sadly, the only time I've ever done what I suggest was with tutorial media from the Apple Training booklet and DVD so I can't help you further. Sorry.

David Scattergood · September 29th, 2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun Roemich

Vector PDF files come in as Vector so there is an advantage there. I believe you need to "check" a check box to ensure accurate vector scaling though. You can find the check box in the Inspector when the PFD is selected. It MAY be in one of the Tabs.

EDIT: Just reread your last post. Sadly, the only time I've ever done what I suggest was with tutorial media from the Apple Training booklet and DVD so I can't help you further. Sorry.

No problem Shaun - thanks for responding.
Cheers.

September 28th, 2009, 04:10 PM	#1
David Scattergood Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 755	Vector images from Illustrator into Motion 2. Hi all - not sure if anyone here is ever tried this: I'm attempting to import a layered image into Motion 2 from Illustrator (CS3) - importing as an AI file - tips via the following link Apple - Pro - Techniques - Import Photoshop and Illustrator Files Into Motion Not having AE at hand at the moment. I'm instead using Motion for a test run animation...but I'm fast getting the impression this isn't going to work. The AI file I've imported has none of the original layers and has seemingly been flattened on import. On the other hand, importing them as PSD files worked much better but then the images have been rasterized - I've tried unchecking the Fixed Resolution option in the Media tab in Motion, but the vector images are pixellated on the slightest of 'zoom in'. It's all a bit of a mess to be fair. I've search engined this almost to death to little avail. Anybody here successfully manage to import a layered file from Illustrator into Motion? Apologies if I've missed anything out - I'm working with the graphics guy on this as it's not really my 'arena'. Cheers.

September 29th, 2009, 08:33 AM	#2
Shaun Roemich Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba) Canada Posts: 4,088	Motion 3 (not sure if it's the same in 2) allows you to import vector PDFs. Not sure if the layers come in intact. Try it and find out. __________________ Shaun C. Roemich Road Dog Media - Vancouver, BC - Videographer - Webcaster www.roaddogmedia.ca Blog: http://roaddogmedia.wordpress.com/

September 29th, 2009, 01:34 PM	#4
Shaun Roemich Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba) Canada Posts: 4,088	Vector PDF files come in as Vector so there is an advantage there. I believe you need to "check" a check box to ensure accurate vector scaling though. You can find the check box in the Inspector when the PFD is selected. It MAY be in one of the Tabs. EDIT: Just reread your last post. Sadly, the only time I've ever done what I suggest was with tutorial media from the Apple Training booklet and DVD so I can't help you further. Sorry. __________________ Shaun C. Roemich Road Dog Media - Vancouver, BC - Videographer - Webcaster www.roaddogmedia.ca Blog: http://roaddogmedia.wordpress.com/