Design
AI files.
AI files are the native vector file type for Adobe Illustrator. With an AI file, designers can edit all effects as well as keep brushes or other types of proprietary Illustrator objects and use the same file in a layout application for print production. AI files can contain both vector and pixel image data. Learn more about the pros and cons of the AI image format and discover how you can create, open, and edit them.
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What is an AI file?
AI, which stands for Adobe Illustrator, is the proprietary Adobe file type suitable for vector artwork. Other common file types suitable for vector artwork include PDF, EPS, and SVG. Unlike raster images made from pixels, vector images don’t lose resolution when scaled because they’re built on a complex graph-like formula that is infinitely expandable.
AI files render Illustrator drawings, logos, and illustrations in a high degree of detail. The small file sizes of vector artwork and its easy scalability makes it a popular choice for many designers and illustrators. AI files are very versatile, keeping layering, transparency, intertwines, repeats, effects and other native Illustrator functions editable where other file types don’t.
Because AI is a proprietary Adobe file type, you’ll need to use Illustrator to create, edit, and save an AI file. But turning on “PDF-compatibility” when saving allows you to view and import them in several third-party programs, though those won’t give you full editing functionality.
History of the AI file.
Adobe changed the AI image format with Illustrator 9 in 2000. Before, AI files have been based on the PostScript language. Like the previous PostScript based format AI files can contain both vector and raster image data.
AI files are designed to keep Illustrator objects editable and to have a PDF file embedded, which makes them suitable as both a source and production file at the same time in the print workflow. This allows for flexibility with creative decisions until the very last minute without having to worry whether you have placed the latest version of the design in your layout.
Today, designers can still save, edit, and reopen EPS images in Illustrator, but since EPS files don’t support transparency in the same way that AI files do, files should be saved as AI files to use Illustrator’s full potential.
How to use an AI file.
Because of the versatility and easy scalability of vector objects, many designers prefer to use Adobe Illustrator to create their artwork. In order to keep all parts of their designs editable for years to come, they save them as AI files. Typically, designers will use AI files for:
Logos
Vector based logos designed in Illustrator and saved as AI files are clear and scalable, so they can be used in everything from a business card to a billboard in Times Square. Plus, AI is great for laying out typography that will remain crisp and legible at any size.
AI files saved “PDF-compatible” can be placed in InDesign which makes them perfect for print workflows, because the same file can be used for editing, shared for review and placed in the layout.
Transparent graphics and designs
Unlike Illustrator’s previous PostScript based format, current AI files keep transparency live. This makes Illustrator a great starting place for creating print and web graphics that need to layer on top of different backgrounds.
When to use an AI file.
Depending on your project, the AI file format may work better in some scenarios than others. Here’s what you need to know:
Advantages of AI files.
- AI files are tailor-made for Illustrator, so if you’re creating a design in the program, you know you’re working with the intended format that keeps all your objects fully editable.
- With the embedded PDF, AI files are your go-to image file type for getting Illustrator drawings in print. They can be directly placed in your InDesign layout file and should you edit them, the file in the layout will track that automatically, so you don’t have to worry whether you have placed the latest version in your print file.
- Simple AI files tend to be small, making them easy to share, upload, and store.
- You can use AI files for transparency, effects, layering, and pristine typography in graphics, logos, and icons.
Other considerations for AI files.
- AI files are only fully compatible with Adobe Illustrator. If they are saved accordingly, then you can view and lightly edit some of the content in certain other apps, but you won’t be able to make the same kind of changes in the convenient way that would be possible in Illustrator. Parts of the content might even be converted to pixels.
- You can place pixel images in them and use pixel-based effects, such as drop shadows, but if you need to edit pixel images, you’ll want to use a different file format since AI files work best with vector-based images
How to open an AI file.
To open an AI file in Illustrator, choose File > Open and select the file from your computer. Ensure that your file has the .AI extension and that you are using the same or a higher version than the file has been created in. You can also open PDF, EPS, and SVG files.
How to create and edit an AI file.
Follow these easy steps to create an AI file in Adobe Illustrator.
- Launch Illustrator and choose File > New.
- Choose your document profile, like Mobile, Web, Print, or Film & Video.
- Click a document pre-set to select your size or enter the dimensions manually.
- Click Create to open a new document.
- Once you’ve finished creating, save your design as a .AI file type.
To edit your design:
- Open your .AI design in Illustrator.
- Use the tools, menu functions and panels to edit your design.
- Save your image as a .AI file.
AI files: frequently asked questions.
Can I view AI files on applications other than Illustrator?
What’s the difference between raster and vector artwork?
Unlike raster artwork made from pixels, vector artwork doesn’t lose resolution when scaled because it’s built on a complex graph-like formula that is infinitely expandable. Because raster images contain a set number of pixels, they can become grainy or “pixelated” when scaled beyond their intended size. Vector images, on the other hand, can scale to any size without any loss in quality. AI files can contain both vector and raster artwork.
Find out more about the differences between raster and vector images.
Can I edit an AI file without Illustrator?
How do I convert an AI file to a PDF?
How do I send an AI file via email?
Package your files, fonts, and images to easily email your AI file. Here’s how:
Select File > Package and a location for your folder. Select Package and attach the folder to an email. Alternatively, you can save your full image as a PDF and send it via email. For full editing capabilities the receiving party will need to have the fonts and images you used. It can make sense to pack AI files as ZIP before sending them via email.
Alternatvely you can use File > Invite to Edit to allow collaborators to edit your file or File > Share for Review to gather comments from clients and colleagues, which will then appear in the Comments panel.
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