Importing Files
Logos InkPen can import various vector and raster formats, preserving editability whenever possible.
Import Methods
File Menu Import
- Choose File > Import (⌘I)
- Select file(s) to import
- Click Open to import into current document
- Imported content appears on active layer
Drag and Drop
- Drag files from Finder onto canvas
- Drop position determines placement
- Multiple files import as separate objects
- Hold Option while dropping to link (not embed)
Paste from Clipboard
- Copy vector art from other applications
- Paste with ⌘V into InkPen
- Maintains vector properties when possible
- Images paste as embedded bitmaps
Vector Formats
SVG Import
Scalable Vector Graphics - Best compatibility
Supported SVG Features
- Basic shapes (rect, circle, ellipse, polygon)
- Paths with bezier curves
- Groups and nested structure
- Solid fills and strokes
- Linear and radial gradients
- Opacity and blend modes
- Text (converted to outlines)
- Clipping paths
- Transforms (translate, rotate, scale)
SVG Limitations
- Filters may be rasterized
- Animations are ignored
- JavaScript is not executed
- External references must be embedded
- Pattern fills converted to solid
PDF Import
Portable Document Format - Print-ready artwork
PDF Import Options
- Page Selection: Choose which page to import
- Crop to: Media box, crop box, or art box
- Scale: Import at 100% or fit to page
- Flatten Transparency: For complex effects
PDF Conversion
- Vector paths remain editable
- Text converted to outlines
- Gradients preserved when possible
- Spot colors converted to CMYK
- Images embedded as bitmaps
- Complex effects may be rasterized
Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
Native Illustrator format (PDF-compatible)
- Imports as PDF if saved with compatibility
- Preserves basic vector properties
- Layers may be flattened
- Effects and filters not supported
- Best to export as SVG from Illustrator first
EPS Import
Encapsulated PostScript - Legacy format
- Basic path support only
- May require conversion
- Limited color space support
- Text converted to paths
Raster Image Formats
PNG Import
Best for images with transparency
- Full alpha channel support
- Lossless compression
- Good for logos and icons
- Larger file sizes than JPEG
- Can be traced to vectors
JPEG Import
Best for photographs
- Compressed file size
- No transparency support
- Good for backgrounds
- Quality loss with compression
- RGB color only
TIFF Import
Professional print images
- Lossless compression options
- CMYK color support
- Alpha channel support
- Large file sizes
- Best for print workflows
Other Image Formats
- GIF: Limited colors, simple transparency
- BMP: Uncompressed, Windows bitmap
- WebP: Modern web format
- HEIC: Apple photo format
Import Settings
Image Handling
- Embed: Include image data in document
- Link: Reference external file
- Downsample: Reduce resolution for smaller files
- Color Profile: Convert to document profile
Scaling Options
- Original Size: Import at 100%
- Fit to Page: Scale to page bounds
- Custom Scale: Enter percentage
- Resolution: Set PPI for images
Placement
- Center: Place at page center
- Original Position: Use file's coordinates
- Cursor: Click to place
- Active Layer: Add to current layer
Import Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Missing Fonts
- Text automatically converted to outlines
- Install missing fonts before import
- Or accept outline conversion
Color Shifts
- Check color profile settings
- Convert CMYK to RGB if needed
- Calibrate monitor for accuracy
Complex Effects Lost
- 3D effects not supported
- Mesh gradients simplified
- Filters may be rasterized
- Export from source as SVG
Large File Sizes
- Downsample large images
- Link instead of embed
- Optimize before import
- Use appropriate format
Best Practices
Preparing Files for Import
- Convert text to outlines in source
- Expand complex effects
- Embed linked images
- Use RGB color space
- Save as SVG when possible
Organizing Imports
- Create dedicated layer for imports
- Group related imported objects
- Name layers descriptively
- Lock reference layers
- Delete unused imports
Image Optimization
- Resolution: 72 PPI for web, 300 PPI for print
- Size: No larger than needed
- Format: PNG for graphics, JPEG for photos
- Compression: Balance quality vs file size
Advanced Import Features
Batch Import
- Select multiple files in import dialog
- Each imports as separate object
- Automatically distributed on canvas
- Can import entire folders
Import as Template
- Places on locked template layer
- Dimmed for tracing reference
- Won't export with artwork
- Perfect for sketches
Smart Objects
- Link to external file
- Updates when source changes
- Reduces document size
- Edit in original application