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How to Open Ai Files Without Illustrator on PC or Mac

Learn how to view, edit, and convert Adobe Illustrator files without paying for Illustrator

AI file types can typically only be opened and edited with Adobe Illustrator. If you want to open AI files without editing them, you can change the file format from AI to PDF and view it as flat a image (PC only), preview the AI file in Preview (Mac only) or upload the file to a Cloud Service like Google Drive. However, if you want to edit the AI file, you will need either Illustrator or the highly suggested free alternative, Gravit. But to use Gravit or similar free programs, you’ll need to first convert the AI file into a common file format like SVG. This wikiHow teaches you how to open AI files without Illustrator on PC or Mac.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Viewing as a PDF in Windows

  1. You can do this by pressing ⊞ Win + E or clicking the program icon from your Start menu.
    • Use this method if you want to view, but not edit, an AI file.
  2. If you downloaded it from the web, it'll usually be in either your Downloads or Desktop folder.
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  3. The text field for the file name should now be editable.
    • You can also right-click the file and select Rename from the menu.
  5. If you are prompted to confirm the change, follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
  6. This opens the PDF in your default viewer, which is usually Edge, Chrome, or Adobe Reader.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Converting to Another Format

  1. Go to https://cloudconvert.com in a web browser. Cloud Convert is a free website that allows you to convert Illustrator files to a format your computer can understand. This method will work for both Windows and macOS.
    • You can convert the file to any of the following formats with this tool: PDF, DXF, EPS, PNG, PS, EMF, SVG, or WMF.
    • If you just want to view the file, convert it to a PDF or PNG, as both will open easily on any computer.
    • If you want to edit the file in a vector image editor, convert to the SVG format. [1] Once you finish converting the file, see this method to learn how to open the file in a free editor called Gravit.
  2. It's in the middle of the page. Your file browser will open.
    • If you click the arrow next to Select Files , a menu will drop down with options to select files from a link, your computer, or Cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive.
  3. If you want to keep the vector aspects of the file intact so you can edit the vector image, choose SVG on the Vector tab. If you just want to view the file without making changes, you can choose PDF or PNG instead.
  4. You’ll find this in the bottom right of the page. This converts the file to the new format.
  5. You’ll find this to the right of your file name. If the file doesn't download automatically, your file browser will open so that you can select a download location and save the file.
  6. The file will open in your default app, such as Preview, Edge, GIMP, or Photos.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Editing SVG Files in Gravit

  1. Go to https://gravit.io in a web browser. Gravit is a free app that allows you to open vector images on your computer. You can use this app on both Windows and macOS.
  2. You’ll see this in the middle of your page.
  3. It's in the middle of the page.
  4. If you already have an account, enter your login details and click LOG IN to sign in now.
  5. If you don't want to create a username and password, you could select either Facebook or Google to link your account to one of those options instead. Once you're signed in, you'll usually see a pop-up screen that asks you to check out the Pro features. Click the X at the top-right corner of that window to close it. [2]
  6. You’ll find this on the left side of the window. Your file browser will open.
  7. This opens the file for editing in Gravit.
    • Any features of the original file that aren't available in Gravit will appear in a pop-up window. You can choose to replace or keep the original items.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://extension.nirsoft.net/svg
      2. ↑ https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/open-ai-files-without-illustrator/

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open a file browser.
      2. Click the AI file.
      3. Add .pdf to the file name.
      4. Double-click the file to view it.

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,040 times.

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