AI to PDF converter
Convert Adobe Illustrator AI files to PDF free online. Share vector artwork as a universally viewable document. No signup, 500 MB limit, auto-deleted in 1 hour.
Drop a file to convert here
or click to browse
About Portable Document Format
Common Use Cases
- Sharing Illustrator artwork with clients who lack design software
- Submitting vector logos and graphics to print shops
- Archiving design files in a universally readable format
AI files are native to Adobe Illustrator and can only be opened reliably in Illustrator or a handful of other design tools. Converting to PDF makes your artwork viewable on any computer, phone, or tablet with a free PDF reader. PDF also preserves vector paths, so the file can still be scaled without quality loss when opened in compatible software.
AI is an editable Illustrator project file. PDF is a universal document format that preserves visual fidelity and can be opened by anyone without specialized design software.
Why Convert AI to PDF?
Universal viewability
Every operating system ships with a PDF viewer. Clients, printers, and collaborators can open your artwork immediately without buying Illustrator.
Preserves vector quality
PDF retains vector paths and curves from the AI file. The artwork can be scaled to any size in compatible viewers without pixelation.
Print-ready output
Most commercial printers accept PDF directly. Converting to PDF eliminates the back-and-forth of exporting from Illustrator for print production.
Smaller file size
PDF files are often significantly smaller than the originating AI file because PDF strips out Illustrator-specific editing metadata and preview thumbnails.
When to use each
Keep AI when...
- Editing in Illustrator
- Active design iteration
- Layer editing is needed
- Illustrator plugins are used
- Complex artboard management
Convert to PDF when...
- Sharing with non-designers
- Sending files to print shops
- Embedding in documents or presentations
- Archiving finalized artwork
- Email attachments that anyone can open
Common use cases
- Sharing Illustrator artwork with clients who lack design software
- Submitting vector logos and graphics to print shops
- Archiving design files in a universally readable format
How to use
- Upload your AI file. Drag and drop an .ai file onto the upload area, or click to browse and select one from your computer. Files up to 500 MB are supported.
- Start the conversion. Click Convert File. The AI file is processed server-side using ImageMagick, preserving vector paths and layout.
- Download your PDF. When processing finishes, click the download link to save your PDF. Files are automatically deleted from our servers within 1 hour.
Frequently asked questions
- Is converting AI to PDF free?
- Yes. Free with no signup required. Free users get a daily conversion allowance, and Premium or Lifetime members get unlimited conversions.
- Will the vector quality be preserved?
- Yes. PDF retains vector paths and curves from the AI file, so the artwork can be scaled without quality loss in compatible viewers.
- Can the recipient edit the PDF?
- PDF is primarily a viewing format. While some design tools can import PDF vectors, the full layer structure and Illustrator-specific features are not preserved.
- Will fonts be preserved?
- Fonts embedded in the AI file are carried over to the PDF. If fonts are not embedded, the converter substitutes system defaults, which may change the appearance of text.
- What about multi-artboard AI files?
- Multi-artboard files are flattened into pages in the resulting PDF, one page per artboard.
- How long are files kept?
- Uploaded files and converted output are automatically deleted within 1 hour. We never share your files with third parties.
- Is there a file size limit?
- Yes. The maximum file size is 500 MB per conversion, which handles even complex multi-artboard Illustrator files.