Illustrator integration with InDesign

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to place native Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files in Adobe InDesign while preserving layers, effects, and editability.

Import native .ai files into InDesign using the Place command to maintain vector quality, transparency, and layer structure. Placed files remain linked to the source, allowing updates when the original artwork changes.

Place a single Illustrator file

Select File > Place.

Navigate to your Illustrator file and select it.

Ensure Show Import Options is selected.

Select Open to load the file into the place cursor.

Select in your document to place the graphic at its native size, or drag to create a sized frame.

Configure Illustrator import options

Select File > Place.

Select Show Import Options, choose the Illustrator file, then select Open.

In the General tab, choose which page or artboard to place if the file contains multiple artboards.

Select Crop to drop-down menu to define which bounding area to import: Bounding Box, Art, Crop, Trim, Bleed, or Media.

Select Window > Layers. The Layers panel only appears if the Illustrator file contains multiple layers. Hidden layers in Illustrator remain accessible in InDesign through the Object Layer Options dialog box after placement.

Control visibility of individual Illustrator layers by checking or unchecking layer names.

Select OK.

Place multiple Illustrator files simultaneously

Select File > Place.

Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (macOS).

Deselect Show Import Options if you don't need to configure settings for each file individually.

Select Open to load all files into the place cursor.

Select in your document to place each graphic sequentially.

Update linked Illustrator files

Open the Links panel (Window > Links).

Locate Illustrator files with a modified link icon.

Select the modified link, then select the Update Link icon.

Edit Illustrator artwork in place

Select a placed Illustrator graphic using the Selection tool.

Right-click the graphic, then select Edit Original, or select Edit > Edit Original.

Make changes in Illustrator, then save the file.

Return to InDesign and update the link in the Links panel if the modified icon appears.

Create print and digital materials with InDesign
Design impactful ads, magazine and book layouts, and more.

Open the app

Share libraries with Creative Cloud users

Manage project assets with Creative Cloud Libraries

Learn

Learn with step-by-step video tutorials and hands-on guidance right in the app.

Community

Join discussions, find answers, learn from experts, and share your knowledge.

Adobe Home

Access your favorite Creative Cloud apps, services, file management, and more.