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AI to PDF Converter

Convert Adobe Illustrator files to Portable Document Format — free, private and right in your browser.

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Max 100 MB per file · AI

    Your file is ready!

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    Free No watermark No sign-up Files never uploaded
    Conversion failed?Ask for the file saved with “Create PDF Compatible File”.
    Fonts look different?Fonts that were not embedded may change.
    Need to change the design?That still needs Illustrator.

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    How to convert AI to PDF

    1. Select your AI files.Add Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files — logos, posters or packaging.
    2. Click Convert to PDF.The PDF stored inside the AI file is copied out unchanged.
    3. Download your PDF file.Save the PDF to share with clients and printers.
    4. Check the artwork.Only AI files saved with PDF content work.

    About AI to PDF

    When is it useful? AI to PDF lets you view and share Adobe Illustrator artwork — logos, posters and packaging designs — with clients and printers who do not have Illustrator.

    Good to know: most .ai files contain a PDF version inside (when “Create PDF Compatible File” was on while saving). This tool copies that PDF out unchanged, so vector shapes and text stay sharp at any size. If the AI file was saved without PDF compatibility, it cannot be converted and you will see a clear message.

    Tips for Better Results

    • Ask the designer to save with “Create PDF Compatible File” turned on if conversion fails.
    • Check fonts in the PDF — fonts that were not embedded may look different.
    • Edits to the design still need Illustrator or another vector editor.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did my AI file fail?
    It was saved without “Create PDF Compatible File”. Ask the designer to save it again with that option on.
    Will the artwork stay sharp?
    Yes. The PDF inside is copied unchanged, so shapes and text stay sharp at any size.
    Why do the fonts look different?
    Fonts that were not embedded in the file may change.
    Can I edit the design in the PDF?
    No. Edits still need Illustrator or another vector editor.
    Works with: Adobe Acrobat Reader · Chrome · Edge · Safari · most PDF viewers

    What converts well, and what doesn't

    Your AI fileResult in PDF
    PDF version inside the fileCopied out unchanged
    Vector shapes and textStay sharp at any size
    AI without PDF compatibilityCannot be converted — you see a clear message
    FontsMay look different if not embedded
    Editing the designStill needs Illustrator
    💡 Tip: Ask the designer to save with “Create PDF Compatible File” turned on if conversion fails.

    Common uses

    LogosShow them to clients.
    PostersShare designs as PDF.
    PackagingSend designs to printers.
    ClientsView artwork without Illustrator.
    PrintersProvide a PDF proof.
    ApprovalsGet sign-off on designs.

    Is my file safe?

    Browser processing: your files are processed on your own device and are never uploaded to our server.

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    Guide

    AI to PDF: a complete guide

    What .ai files are

    AI is the native file format of Adobe Illustrator, used for logos, packaging, posters, labels and illustrations. Without Illustrator, most people — clients, printers, colleagues — cannot open an .ai file, which makes reviewing and sharing designs difficult.

    What happens when you convert

    When Illustrator saves a file with “Create PDF Compatible File” turned on (the default), it stores a complete PDF version of the artwork inside the .ai file. This tool copies that PDF out unchanged. Because nothing is re-drawn, the vector shapes, text and colours stay exactly as in the design and remain sharp at any zoom level.

    When conversion is not possible

    If the designer turned off PDF compatibility to save space, the .ai file contains only Illustrator's private data and no converter outside Illustrator can read it reliably. In that case you see a clear message explaining how to save the file again.

    Common problems and how to fix them

    “Saved without PDF compatibility”: ask the designer to open the file and choose Save As → Illustrator with “Create PDF Compatible File” ticked, or to export a PDF directly. Fonts look different: the fonts were not embedded — the designer should outline the text or embed fonts. Several artboards: they all appear as pages in the PDF if they were included in the compatible PDF.

    Good habits

    Share the PDF for review and keep the .ai file for editing, ask for print-ready PDFs from designers for printing, and check colours on a proof before large print runs.

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