Images · .ai
What Is an AI File?
A .ai file is a vector artwork file created by Adobe Illustrator.
- Extension
- .ai
- Full name
- Adobe Illustrator Artwork
- Type
- Image
- MIME type
- application/postscript
- Developed by
- Adobe
About AI Files
AI is Adobe Illustrator's own file format for vector graphics such as logos, icons, illustrations and print layouts. It keeps artboards, layers, paths, text and effects editable. Modern AI files are built on PDF, so many PDF viewers can show a flattened preview if Illustrator saved the file with PDF compatibility turned on, which is the default. To share artwork with people who don't have Illustrator, export it as PDF, SVG or PNG.
How to Open an AI File
- Windows & Mac
- Open it in Adobe Illustrator for editing. Affinity Designer and Inkscape can import most AI files.
- Mac
- Preview usually shows a preview
- Any device
- Try renaming a copy to .pdf and opening it in a PDF viewer to see the artwork.
AI File Questions
Can I open an AI file without Illustrator?
Yes, in most cases. Inkscape and Affinity Designer import AI files, and a PDF viewer can usually show it because AI files contain a PDF copy.
How do I convert AI to PNG?
In Illustrator use File, Export, Export As and choose PNG. Without Illustrator, open it in Inkscape and export a PNG.