.AI File Extension

Adobe Illustrator Artwork

Developer Adobe Systems
Popularity
4.0  |  425 Votes
 

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 comprising paths connected by points rather than bitmap image data, allowing users to enlarge them without losing image quality.

More Information

Screenshot of a .ai file in Adobe Illustrator 2023
AI file open in Adobe Illustrator 2023

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.

How to create an AI file with Illustrator

When you save artwork in Illustrator, the application creates an AI file to store the contents of the design. After saving the file, you can close it, re-open it, and continue editing the artwork. To create an AI file with Illustrator, select File → New, modify your artwork, then select File → Save or Save As....

How to 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 File → Open.

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). Remember 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.

💡 If you are a Mac user, you can also view AI files with Apple Preview, which is bundled with macOS.

How to convert a AI file

Several applications, including Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, and Inkscape, can convert AI files to other formats.

For example, Adobe Illustrator can convert AI files to many file types, including the following formats:

  • .EPS - Encapsulated PostScript
  • .SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
  • .PDF - Portable Document Format
  • .JPG - JPEG Image
  • .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
  • .TIF - Tagged Image File Format
  • .DWG - AutoCAD Drawing
  • .EMF - Enhanced Windows Metafile
  • .WMF - Windows Metafile
  • .BMP - Bitmap Image
  • .PSD - Adobe Photoshop Document
  • .AIT - Adobe Illustrator Template
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Programs that open AI files

Battlefield 2 Artificial Intelligence File

Developer Electronic Arts
Popularity
3.3  |  36 Votes
 

Game file used by Battlefield 2, a modern warfare first-person shooter; saves the properties and instructions for how the computer and units move and act during a game; saved in a plain text format and sometimes modified to tweak gameplay settings.

Programs that open or reference AI files

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