Vector graphics are frequently used by graphic designers. Although the files are modest, the photographs are infinitely adjustable. They’re ideal for drawing and specifically for logos and symbols. How to open them without Illustrator?
You must convert the AI file extension to PDF on Windows. F2 on your keyboard to choose the file. When asked, add PDF to the end of the filename and approve the modification. Double-click the file to open it in your default PDF reader.
AI files may be seen in Preview on a Mac without any modifications. You may also upload and examine AI files on Google Drive. Keep reading to acquire more dexterity in the matter.
Watch the video below to learn more.
Open AI Files in Photoshop or GIMP
You may use Photoshop or its free version, GIMP, to include an AI image into a bigger piece of artwork without modifying it directly. When importing, you will lose the benefits of vector graphics, so it is preferable to import a huge picture and scale it down rather than upload a tiny image and increase it.
When you open the image in these programs, it gets converted to PDF format. An Import dialogue box will appear, and you may usually accept the default options. The most important thing to remember is to import the image in its entirety.
When you’re finished, you can copy and paste the image into another piece of artwork as its own layer, or you can add more layers to this file. After that, you’ll need to save it in a different format.
How to Edit AI Files Without Illustrator?
Things become more difficult when you obtain an Illustrator template or are handed an AI file that has to be edited. There aren’t many major programs that can edit AI files natively; you usually have to convert them first.
Convert AI to SVG or EPS Online
Click Select File and navigate to the file on your hard drive. Then, under Vector, click Convert to and select SVG, EPS, or WMF. If your image contains text, click the wrench symbol and select Text To Path.
Your typefaces will seem more correct as a result, but the text will no longer be immediately editable. Wait while you select Convert. When the conversion is complete, click Download to save your freshly converted file.
Editing Issues with Converted AI Files
There are a few possible issues to be aware of when attempting to edit AI files without Illustrator.
Conversions Are Not Always Perfect
This is especially true if the source file makes use of Illustrator’s only capabilities or effects. Conversions sometimes get blurry, or the file looks stretched if the properties are not applied properly.
Layer Information Is Frequently Lost
Because all of the parts are no longer identified, this might make complicated files difficult to navigate for the user.
You Can’t Always Save Or Export
You can’t always save or export your altered work in AI format (and Illustrator can’t read your editing app’s proprietary format, either). For maximum compatibility, save in a format such as SVG or EPS.
Gravit Designer PRO
Gravit Designer is an excellent Illustrator substitute. It’s a cloud-based program that can edit and open AI files online and operates on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS, as well as straight in your browser.
To deal with AI files, you must first convert them to the SVG format, as shown above. After that, just drag the file into the Gravit Designer window to open it. All portions of the image are often bundled into a single layer, but they can be modified independently.
The app’s UI is highly contemporary and user-friendly. Although it has a lot of power behind the hood, it makes working with vector art quite simple. It’s extremely useful for logos, icons, and symbols.
When To Use An Al File?
AI, which stands for Adobe Illustrator, is the company’s proprietary vector picture file format. Other typical vector image file formats include PDF, EPS, and SVG. Vector files, unlike raster files, consist of pixels.
They do not lose resolution when scaled, since they are based on a sophisticated graph-like algorithm that is infinitely expandable. The AI file format may function better in some instances than others, based on your subject. Here’s what you should know:
The Benefits Of An AI File
AI files, with their endless scaling options, are your go-to image file type for printing Illustrator designs. Simple AI files are often tiny, making them simple to share, upload, and keep.
AI files may be used in images, logos, and icons for transparency, layering, and beautiful typography. AI files are designed specifically for Illustrator, so you know you’re dealing with the appropriate format when you create a design in the application.
Other Ai File Considerations
Only Adobe Illustrator is completely compatible with AI files. You can read and gently modify AI files in other programmes, but you won’t be able to make the exact adjustments that Illustrator allows.
If you need to alter pixels, you should use a different file format because AI files are designed to operate with vector-based graphics.
How to Make Use of an AI File?
Many designers use Adobe Illustrator files for their artwork because of their tiny size and simple scaling. Designers will typically utilize AI files for:
Logos
Illustrator AI files provide logos with clarity and scalability, allowing them to be utilized on everything from a business card to a Times Square billboard. Furthermore, AI is excellent at creating fonts that are sharp and readable at any size.
Because they preserve depth and clarity at varied sizes, AI files are ideal for printing digitally generated photos, drawings, and graphics. This separates them from raster graphics, which, when stretched beyond their intended size, can seem rough and pixelated in print.
Graphics And Designs That Are Transparent
Unlike Illustrator’s earlier EPS format, AI files support transparency. As a result, AI is an excellent starting point for producing online visuals that must layer on top of multiple backdrops.
Conclusion
Convert the AI file to another format: If you need to edit the AI file, you must convert it to a format that your graphic design software can read. AI files may be converted using free file converters such as FileZigZag and Zamzar.
Simply choose AI as the input format and the output format you want, then upload the AI file and click Convert.
