When Your Vector Decides to Go Abstract Without Consulting You 🎨🤯
Importing files from Illustrator to Moho/Anime Studio should be simple, but sometimes it turns into a dialogue of the deaf between programs. If you've seen the progress bar complete... only to show absolutely nothing, or worse, a psychedelic version of your design, this article is your salvation. 🙌
"Moho is not a mind reader: if you give it a modern file, it will respond with silence... or with unsolicited modern art"
The Magic Compatibility Formula
For Moho to understand your vectors:
- Illustrator: Save as AI version 8 (yes, like in 1998)
- EPS: Use version 8 as well, no modern stuff
- SVG: Useful as an intermediate step with Inkscape
File Preparation: Deep Clean
Before exporting, do this in Illustrator:
- Convert all text to outlines (Create Outlines)
- Remove transparencies and complex effects
- Delete hidden layers and invisible objects
- Simplify gradients to flat colors
Import Tricks That Work
When Moho resists:
- Try opening/saving the file in Inkscape first
- Verify there are no complex color profiles
- Import layers one by one if necessary
- For complex designs, consider exporting to PNG temporarily
On foro3d you'll find threads with scripts and alternative methods for especially rebellious cases. Because we've all had that moment of "was this a character or a Rorschach blot?". 🖼️
The Foolproof Plan B
When all else fails:
- Export to PDF from Illustrator
- Open it in Inkscape
- Save as a simplified SVG
- Import that SVG into Moho
As vector animation veterans say: "If at first it doesn't work, try an older, simpler, and flatter version... eventually it will work". And if not, you can always say you wanted that abstract effect. 🎭