Tips to open AI file
Can't open the AI file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open AI files as well as a list of programs that support AI files.
AI file extension
| File Name |
Adobe Illustrator Graphics Format |
| File Developer |
Adobe Systems |
| File Category |
Vector Image Files |
The AI file is supported on 5 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the AI files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the AI file on each system platform.
What is AI file?
The .AI file is an Adobe Illustrator graphic file. It contains vector graphics. This means that it contains drawings consisting of objects and their mutual relations, and not pixels (as in a photo, for example). The advantage of vector graphics is that regardless of size, images remain clear and sharp. Larger and more complex designs, however, may require a more powerful machine. AI file can also be opened by other vector graphics programs.
How to open AI file?
The main problem with Adobe Illustrator Graphics Format is that the AI file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that AI files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the AI file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install Adobe Illustrator
In this case, you should first verify that the Adobe Illustrator application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Adobe Illustrator in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open AI files.
Programs to open AI file
Remember to download programs supporting AI files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Adobe Illustrator with AI files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the AI file to open in the Adobe Illustrator application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the AI file with the Adobe Illustrator program.
Step 3. Update Adobe Illustrator to the latest version
If, however, after binding Adobe Illustrator with Adobe Illustrator Graphics Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Adobe Systems Incorporated page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the AI file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the AI file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the AI file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected AI files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of AI file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular AI file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Adobe Systems help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file AI except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the AI file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the AI file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file AI to close. However, some background programs may block the AI file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
Was this page helpful? YesNo
