What is an AI file?
Adobe Illustrator Artwork
- Developed By
- Adobe Inc.
- Initial Release
- 1987
- MIME Type
- application/postscript
The Adobe Illustrator Artwork (AI) format is a proprietary vector graphics file type developed by Adobe Systems for representing single-page vector-based drawings in either the EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) or PDF (Portable Document Format) standards. Early versions utilized a simplified PostScript syntax (PGF), while modern versions (version 9 and later) rely on a PDF-compatible structure containing an embedded PGF copy for backward compatibility. The format supports scalable paths, distinct layers, and CMYK color models, making it a standard in the commercial print and digital graphics industry.
How to open an AI file
Opening AI files natively requires Adobe Illustrator. However, files saved with PDF compatibility enabled can be viewed in Adobe Acrobat, Apple Preview (macOS), or standard PDF readers. For editing without Adobe subscriptions, users can utilize vector graphics software such as CorelDRAW, Inkscape (via import), or Affinity Designer. Non-compatible AI files (saved without PDF data) may strictly require Illustrator or specialized conversion tools.