How to Export Site Analysis Maps to Adobe Illustrator

Why Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for architecture graphics. Vector-based editing gives you complete control over your site analysis maps.

ArchiKEK's Illustrator-Ready Export

When you download an SVG from ArchiKEK, you get:

• Organized layers: Buildings, roads, water, green areas, transit
• Clean vectors: No raster images, infinitely scalable
• Editable paths: Every element can be modified
• Proper grouping: Logical structure for easy editing

Step-by-Step Export Process

1. Generate Your Map

• Select your location
• Choose your theme
• Adjust settings (contours, transit, etc.)
• Click Download

2. Open in Illustrator

• File → Open → Select your SVG
• Or drag and drop into Illustrator
• Layers panel will show organized structure

3. Explore the Layers

Your ArchiKEK export includes:

• Background: Base color layer
• Contours: Topography lines (if enabled)
• Water: Rivers, lakes, sea
• Green: Parks, forests, grass
• Roads: Organized by type
• Buildings: With height shading
• Transit: Metro, bus, tram stops
• Frame: Legend and info (if enabled)

4. Common Edits

Change Building Color

• Select Buildings layer
• Select All (Cmd/Ctrl + A while layer is targeted)
• Change fill color

Add Your Site Boundary

• Create new layer above Buildings
• Draw your site boundary
• Style with dashed line or fill

Adjust Road Weights

• Expand Roads layer group
• Select specific road type
• Adjust stroke weight

Add Annotations

• Create new layer for annotations
• Add text, arrows, symbols
• Keep analysis separate from base map

Pro Tips

Preserve Original

Always keep an unmodified copy of your ArchiKEK export. Create a duplicate before editing.

Use Layer Comps

Save different layer visibility states for different analysis views.

Consistent Scale

If using multiple ArchiKEK maps, generate them at the same size and resolution for consistent scaling.

Color Themes

Create a color palette that works across all your analysis maps for a cohesive presentation.

Troubleshooting

Text Not Editable

ArchiKEK uses outlined text for compatibility. To edit text, delete and retype.

File Won't Open

Make sure you're opening .svg file, not previewing in browser.

Layers Missing

Check that all layers are visible (eye icon in Layers panel).

Start Creating

Generate your first Illustrator-ready site analysis map.

Create Map →