.AI File Extension
Adobe Illustrator Artwork
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 431 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
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 , modify your artwork, then select or .
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 .
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