> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.hivo.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.hivo.co/integrations/adobe-creative-cloud/adobe-illustrator.md).

# Adobe Illustrator

The HIVO plugin for Adobe Illustrator simplifies digital asset management (DAM) for creatives. With the HIVO plugin, users can easily locate, integrate, and update design assets, making their creative workflows more efficient. This simplifies version control and allows you to focus entirely on your design work.

### Installing the HIVO Extension for Illustrator

For customers who have purchased the integration:

* Visit the HIVO plugin listing page directly on [Adobe Exchange here](https://exchange.adobe.com/apps/cc/202883/hivo-extension).
* Search for the extension using the keyword "**HIVO Connector**".

<figure><img src="/files/Djk5ig57OzHs9xiEP5OZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Click the **Install** button, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

<figure><img src="/files/jyBbC4bEqTezCJbJpmMw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Opening the HIVO Extension in Illustrator

* In the top menu of Illustrator, select the **Window > Extensions tab**&#x20;
* Select **HIVO Connector.** The HIVO extension panel will appear within your workspace.

<figure><img src="/files/UECWu8LqZHzByy3Tr0xu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Logging into HIVO via the Illustrator Extension

There are two main login options available in the HIVO Connector:

* **Standard Login:** Enter your standard Email and Password. Ensure that the email address is linked to a HIVO account authorized to use the Illustrator Connector.
* **Passwordless Login (for SSO users):** If your organization uses Single Sign-On (SSO), please select the Passwordless login option to authenticate.

<figure><img src="/files/yrO58P0OI45EPBf5WKoM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Browsing and Searching HIVO Assets in Illustrator

The HIVO Adobe Illustrator plugin features a powerful search and filtering system, enabling you to locate and organize your assets stored in the HIVO library.

Inside the **Assets tab**, you can easily browse and filter all files you have permission to access by using the following controls:

* **Search Bar:** Type keywords directly into the search input field to find assets by their title or metadata.
* **Mode View:** Switch between different viewing perspectives based on your workflow needs.
* **Sort Options:** Use the Sort dropdown menu to organize the list based on specific criteria, such as *Created ↓* to view assets chronologically.

<figure><img src="/files/wnTC6kjsSUvU1FoQYJrK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The **Collections tab** allows you to access curated groups of assets compiled on the HIVO platform.

* **Search & Filter:** Use the Search bar to find collections by name, or check Category view to group them by structural tags.
* **Refresh & Navigate:** Click the refresh icon to update the list, and use the top-right arrows to flip through pages.
* **View Assets:** Click the View assets button on any collection card to display its files in the Assets tab for import.

<figure><img src="/files/Dbr2FJIh7T8loXeXAgZX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Importing and Replacing Asset Versions in Illustrator

Each asset card in the list displays a thumbnail preview, the file name, the file size, and the creation date. Beneath each asset title, you can instantly see and select different versions, such as the original vector file, thumbnail, or web rendition.

To import assets from the HIVO library into your active Illustrator project:

* Locate the asset you need within the **HIVO Connector** panel.
* Select the **specific Version** of the asset you wish to use. The asset will be imported directly into your active Illustrator project as a new Layer or a Linked Object.

👉 **Note on Asset Permissions:** User permissions within the Illustrator plugin sync completely with the HIVO library. You can only view and utilize assets that your account has been granted access to by an Admin.

<figure><img src="/files/UUfmjXYu7g5oxb0Qn9A9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Managing and Saving Current Documents to the HIVO Library

The Document tab within the HIVO Connector allows you to save your active Illustrator project file (.ai) directly to your cloud library, ensuring your master design files are safely stored and organized.

👉 Note: HIVO assets exist as a linked HIVO url within Illusttrator, as opposed to the asset being stored on your desktop. If there are any missing links, please click **Download Missing links** in the **Document tab.**

<figure><img src="/files/zlx0Dfa4H67mGxDN9R0h" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Follow these steps to complete the upload process:

#### **🔹 Step 1: Verify Document & Click "Save to HIVO"**

Under the *Current Document* section, the plugin automatically detects your active workspace file name and displays its *Local Path* status.&#x20;

* You can click the **Refresh** button next to it at any time to update the current document state.
* Then, click "**Save to HIVO**" button to start.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/G7m5M3riEFyvihc202Tn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **🔹 Step 2: Select a Target Folder**

Browse the folder tree layout or use the *Search for Folder Paths* search bar to locate the exact destination folder within your HIVO library.

<figure><img src="/files/2bUCGbPLTNxasejuI0OS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **🔹 Step 3: Save the Asset**

Once the target folder is selected, click the **Save as New Asset** button. The connector will upload your active .ai file directly into the designated HIVO folder. *(Note: If you decide not to proceed with the upload, you can click the Cancel button to clear your inputs).*

#### **🔹 Step 4: View Asset on HIVO**

Once the upload is complete, a green confirmation toast notification will appear. Click the **Name asset** to view your asset directly on the HIVO platform.

<figure><img src="/files/BjPRnSbffJywnWPL6Nm5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Asset Management After Storage (Subsequent Saves)

Saving your file successfully creates an active link between your local Illustrator document and the asset stored on HIVO. Because of this connection, any feedback or comments made on the asset within the main HIVO web platform will automatically display in real-time inside the Comments tab of your HIVO Connector.

#### 1. View Live Asset Metadata

You can now view the linked asset's specific details directly within the panel:

* **Versions:** Displays available formats or renditions&#x20;
* **Size & Modified:** Shows the current cloud file size and the exact timestamp of the last modification.
* **HIVO Path:** Displays the exact storage directory where the asset lives.

<figure><img src="/files/e5avIPhOAMQFE9bHhCpm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. Advanced Saving Methods

When you make changes to your project, you can choose between two flexible saving methods:

* **Save as New Version:** Select this to save your latest changes to the existing cloud asset. A dialog box will prompt you to manage your versioning options:
  * **To overwrite an existing version:** You must type the exact name of that target version into the *Version Name* field (for example, enter `"original"` to overwrite your primary file) and click Save as New Version. This action will directly overwrite that specific version with your latest design changes.
  * **To create a completely new iteration:** Simply enter a brand-new, unique name in the input field to append a fresh iteration to the asset's version history.

<figure><img src="/files/bPlSqXbptxw8PupMnzzp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Save as New Asset:** Select this if you want to branch off and save your current workspace as a completely separate, independent asset in your library, leaving the original file untouched.

#### 3. Detaching from HIVO

If you click the Detach from HIVO button, this active cloud-to-plugin link will be severed.

👉 Note: Once detached, live comment synchronization will stop instantly, metadata tracking will disappear, and the connector will no longer track or push updates between your local workspace and the cloud asset.

<figure><img src="/files/TTIHsF8DW0sk8o5dsz3z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Exporting Assets to the HIVO Library

The Export tab within the HIVO Connector allows you to convert your active Illustrator project into standard asset formats and upload them directly to HIVO without manually saving them to your local drive first.

* Navigate to the HIVO extension panel and click on the **Export tab.**

**🔹 Step 1: Configure File Settings**

* **File Name:** Enter the desired title for your exported file in the text input field.
* **File Type:** Click the dropdown menu to choose your target output format (e.g., JPEG, PNG, etc) based on your production or distribution needs.

**🔹 Step 2: Choose an Export Method**

* **Export to Version:** Uploads the image as a new version or rendition within the currently linked HIVO asset's history.
* **Export as new Asset:** Uploads the image as a completely independent, brand-new asset into a designated folder.
* **Export to existing Asset*****:*** Attaches the exported image directly to an entirely different asset already existing in your library.

<figure><img src="/files/bIGBNfCxqdC1P9UbFj6q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Reviewing and Managing Comments in Illustrator

Once an Illustrator document is saved and linked to the HIVO library, other team members with appropriate permissions can view the asset on the HIVO web platform, leave feedback, and comment on specific file versions. To review or respond to feedback directly inside your workspace, click on the Comments tab.

#### 🔹 Viewing and Filtering Comments

* **Version Dropdown:** Select the specific file rendition or version (e.g., web, original, etc.) from the top-right dropdown menu to view comments tied to that exact format.
* **Status Filter:** Use the dropdown filter on the left (set to *All* by default) to filter the list and focus only on specific feedback categories.
* **Search Bar:** Type keywords into the search input field to quickly locate specific remarks or instructions within the comment thread.

#### 🔹 Replying and Changing Comment Status

* **Replying to Comments:** Click the Reply button on a comment card to enter your response (e.g., *"OK"*), keeping the entire review history consolidated.
* **Changing Comment Status:** Click the status dropdown menu on the right side of a comment card to mark the progress of the requested design change. You can choose from three statuses:
  * **Request Changes:** Mark this when a design update is active or being assigned.
  * **Resolved:** Mark this once you have completed the requested vector/layout edit to close the issue.
  * **Unmark:** Use this to reset or clear any previously assigned status indicators.

*If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, we're always here to help!*


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