Step by step
Open and organize
Open the SVG
Use File > Open. The artwork arrives as editable vector paths. Depending on the image and download layout, a color can appear in more than one path.
Check the background and open areas
Choose Remove background before downloading if you want the outer background removed. Enclosed areas of the same color are kept, so check those in Illustrator. You can still delete the background manually if you downloaded the original file.
Select by color
Select a shape and choose Select > Same > Fill Color to work with everything in that color.
Group and name
Group related shapes (Cmd or Ctrl + G) and name them in the Layers panel.
For print
Set it up for a printer
Color mode
Choose File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color for most print jobs, then check that the colors still look right.
Brand colors
Replace colors with your exact brand swatches, or use Edit > Edit Colors > Recolor Artwork to map them all at once.
Size
Scale the artwork to its final size. Vector paths stay sharp, so there is no resolution to worry about.
Save the right format
Save as AI to keep editing, or EPS or PDF for printers. File > Export > Export As saves an SVG for the web.
Tips
Small things that save time
- Object > Path > Simplify reduces anchor points if a printer or cutter struggles with a detailed file.
- Gradients open as Illustrator gradients you can edit in the Gradient panel.
- Traced text is paths. Retype it with the Type tool if the wording needs to change.