How To Export From Rhino To Illustrator: A Step-By-Step Tutorial

If you’re a designer or architect, you’ve probably used Rhino for 3D modeling. But when it comes to making 2D drawings, Illustrator is the go-to software. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to export your Rhino files to Illustrator.

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Step 1: Save your Rhino file

Before exporting, make sure to save your Rhino file. It’s a good idea to create a new file for the 2D drawing, so you don’t overwrite your 3D model.

Step 2: Hide unwanted layers

In Rhino, you may have multiple layers, some of which you don’t need for the 2D drawing. Hide the layers you don’t need by clicking on the eye icon next to the layer name.

Step 3: Set up the view

Make sure your Rhino model is in the view you want to export. You can use the Zoom and Pan tools to adjust the view.

Step 4: Export as .AI file

To export, go to File > Export Selected or File > Export. Choose Adobe Illustrator (.AI) as the file type. Make sure to check the “Export selected objects only” box if you only want to export certain objects.

Step 5: Choose export options

In the export options window, choose the settings you want. For example, you can choose to export curves as paths or polylines. You can also choose the scale and units.

Step 6: Open the file in Illustrator

Once you’ve exported the file, open it in Illustrator. You may need to adjust the artboard size if the drawing is too big or too small.

Step 7: Edit and finalize the drawing

Now you can edit and finalize the drawing in Illustrator. You can add text, color, and other design elements. You can also save the file in different formats, such as PDF or EPS.

FAQs:

Can I export 3D models from Rhino to Illustrator? No, Illustrator is a 2D software and cannot handle 3D models. You can export 2D views of your 3D model from Rhino to Illustrator.
What is the best file format to use for exporting from Rhino to Illustrator? Adobe Illustrator (.AI) is the best file format to use for exporting from Rhino to Illustrator. It preserves the vector format and allows for easy editing in Illustrator.
Do I need to have Illustrator installed on my computer to export from Rhino to Illustrator? Yes, you need to have Illustrator installed on your computer to open and edit the exported file.

Overall, exporting from Rhino to Illustrator is a simple process that can save you time and make your 2D drawings look more professional. With these tips, you’ll be able to create beautiful and accurate drawings in no time.