.AI File Extension
Adobe Illustrator File
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 397 Votes |
| Category | Vector Image Files |
| Format | Binary |
What is a AI file?
An AI file is a drawing created with Adobe Illustrator, a vector graphics editing program. It is composed of paths connected by points rather than bitmap image data. Since AI files are saved in a vector format, they can be enlarged without losing any image quality.
Graphics professionals typically use Illustrator to design vector artwork, such as icons, logos, signs, and mockups. When saving digital artwork, Illustrator creates an AI file to store the contents. After saving the file, you can close it, re-open it, and continue editing the artwork.
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.