.AI File Extension
Adobe Illustrator File
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 406 Votes |
| Category | Vector Image Files |
| Format | Binary |
What is a AI file?
An AI file is a vector graphic saved in the Adobe Illustrator Artwork (AI) format. It is created by Adobe Illustrator or exported by another graphics application, such as Adobe Photoshop. AI files are saved in a vector format that comprises paths connected by points rather than bitmap image data, allowing users to enlarge them without losing any image quality.
Adobe Illustrator is one of the most common vector graphics applications and a favorite among graphic artists, visual artists, and web designers. They use the application to design vector artwork, such as icons, logos, and web & mobile layouts.
When you save artwork in Illustrator, the application creates an AI file to store the contents of the design. The file is a working file, which means you can close it, re-open it, and continue editing the artwork after saving it.
To save artwork as an AI file with Illustrator, select or . When you are done editing your artwork, you can select to export an AI file to another format, such as .PNG, .BMP, .TGA, .DWG, .DXF, .SWF, .SVG, or .PSD.
How do I open a AI file?
You can open an AI file with Adobe Illustrator in Windows and macOS. Illustrator is the best option for opening AI files because it fully supports the formatting of Illustrator artwork. To open an AI file with Illustrator, select .
You can also open AI files with other third-party applications, such as ACD Systems Canvas (Windows), CorelDRAW Graphics Suite (Windows and macOS), GIMP (multiplatform), and Inkscape (multiplatform). Keep in mind that these applications may not fully support the AI format or they may rasterize the image, meaning the vector data will be converted to a bitmap format.
NOTE: If you are a Mac user, you can also view AI files with Apple Preview, which is bundled with macOS.