About AI files
AI is the native file format of Adobe Illustrator, used for logos, icons, posters, packaging and other vector designs. Designers often send AI files as the source of a logo or a print job. Without Illustrator, most people cannot open them, and a preview on a phone or in an email usually fails.
Since Illustrator version 9 (2000), AI files are saved with a PDF-compatible part inside them, unless this option was switched off. Older AI files, from Illustrator 8 and earlier, are based on PostScript. This tool handles both kinds: it reads the PDF part or interprets the PostScript, and writes a standard PDF.
What you get
- The artwork as vector graphics, sharp at any zoom and print size.
- The page size of the artboard.
- Text as it was saved, either with embedded fonts or as outlines.
Illustrator-specific editing data, such as layers you can turn on and off, live effects and symbols, is not part of the PDF. If the AI file was saved without PDF compatibility, it contains no preview that other programs can read, and the conversion may fail or show a message that the file must be saved again with this option in Illustrator.
A PDF is a good format to send a design for approval. The client can open it on any device, zoom in to check small details and print it at its real size. For a print job, ask the print shop which file they need. Many accept a PDF, but some want the original AI file together with all fonts.
Privacy and limits
AI files are converted on our own server with Ghostscript, the open-source PostScript and PDF interpreter. Files are uploaded over HTTPS, converted and deleted right after; the PDF is kept for 15 minutes at most. Up to 20 files at once, each up to 50 MB. For EPS and PostScript files, see EPS to PDF. To get a PNG image of the design, convert the PDF with PDF to PNG.