Convert files online
Convert files online
When you need AI as a PDF
AI is Adobe Illustrator's working format. Logos, illustrations, packaging, flyers, banners, icons, and other vector layouts are created in it. But the recipient does not always need the source file: a client, manager, print shop, or colleague may not have Illustrator, yet they need to open and check the layout quickly.
Converting AI to PDF turns the working file into a document for viewing, approval, printing, and archiving. PDF opens in a browser and in ordinary viewers, making it more convenient to send to people who need to see the result rather than edit layers.
What changes after conversion
The visible layout is transferred to the PDF: pages or artboards, vector elements, text, colors, raster inserts, and the overall composition. PDF is not, however, a complete replacement for AI for further design work. Layers, effects, linked images, and fonts may behave differently depending on the source file.
If the layout is being prepared for printing, check fonts, bleeds, color model, transparencies, raster images, and the final page size after conversion. For web icons or vector graphics, AI to SVG may work better. If the source is already in SVG, use SVG to PDF.
What tasks it is suitable for
AI to PDF is useful for sending a layout to a client, preliminary approval, printing a draft, sending to a print shop, archiving approved work, presenting a portfolio, and legally fixing a version. PDF is easier to attach to an email or task than requiring the recipient to install Illustrator.
If you are preparing a file for a print shop, clarify requirements in advance: the PDF format, color profile, bleeds, raster image resolution, and font handling rules may differ. For similar tasks with other vector formats, use CDR to PDF or SVG to PDF.
What to check before sending
Open the finished PDF and compare it with the source layout: check for font substitutions, missing images, shifted objects, incorrect colors, or cropped edges. For client approval, a visual check is enough. For printing, a stricter check against the print shop's requirements is needed.
What is AI to PDF conversion used for
Layout approval
Send the client a PDF so they can see the design without installing Illustrator.
Print preparation
Create a PDF from the approved layout and verify it against the print shop's requirements.
Portfolio
Show illustrations, logos, or brand identity in a format that opens for any recipient.
Version archive
Save the approved layout as a PDF alongside the source AI and project correspondence.
Tips for converting AI to PDF
Keep the source AI
PDF is convenient for sending, but working edits are better made in the original Illustrator file.
Check fonts
Open the PDF and confirm that text has not changed its typeface, spacing, or line breaks.
Embed images
If the layout contains external raster files, make sure they are available and embedded in the source.
Confirm printing requirements
For a print shop, check the color model, bleeds, page sizes, and raster image resolution in advance.