How to use it
- Drop in .ai files.
- Each is checked for the PDF Illustrator stores inside it.
- Download the .pdf files.
No conversion needed, usually
An Illustrator file saved with “Create PDF Compatible File” ticked, the default, is structurally a PDF with extra Illustrator data attached. Renaming it to .pdf is enough for any PDF reader to open it. This tool checks that each file really is PDF-compatible, then saves it with the right extension, byte for byte, so the vectors, fonts and colours are exactly as saved.
Things to know before sending to print
- The PDF still contains Illustrator's private editing data, so it can be larger than a PDF exported with Save As PDF. For a lean file, export from Illustrator.
- Fonts are embedded as they were when saved. If a printer reports missing fonts, the designer should outline text or export a PDF/X file.
- Files with several artboards become multi-page PDFs.
Files without PDF compatibility
If the option was off, there is no PDF inside to extract, and the tool will say so. The fix is a re-save from Illustrator.
AI and PDF compared
| AI | ||
|---|---|---|
| First released | 1987 | 1993 |
| Compression | PDF-based in modern versions | Document container |
| Transparency | Yes | Not applicable |
| Animation or pages | Artboards | Multiple pages |
| Best for | Editable vector artwork | Documents to send, print and keep |
| Support | Illustrator; opens as a PDF elsewhere when saved compatibly | Universal |
Questions people ask
Is AI to PDF lossless?
Yes. The embedded PDF is copied unchanged, so vectors stay vectors.
Why is the PDF quite large?
It still carries Illustrator’s editing data. Exporting a PDF from Illustrator gives a smaller file.
Can I convert an AI file to an image instead?
Yes, with AI to PNG.