AI is Adobe Illustrator's native format. Modern AI files are secretly PDFs inside, which is why some non-Adobe tools open them fine. Ranked by sanity:

What Programs Open AI Files From Illustrator? Your Options, Ranked by Sanity
Image via Wikimedia Commons
  1. Ask the sender for a PDF or EPS. Takes ten seconds and works everywhere. Sanest option by far.
  2. Affinity Designer (free since October 2025): opens modern AI files directly, edits vectors properly.
  3. Inkscape (free): opens PDF-compatible AI files. Interface is rough, vectors are real.
  4. Photopea (free, browser): opens AI files well enough for viewing and basic edits.
  5. CorelDRAW (paid): solid AI import if you are already in the Corel world.
  6. Gravit Designer (free, web): handles simple AI files.

What does not work: renaming .ai to .pdf sometimes works for modern files and never for old ones. Double-clicking and hoping is not a workflow. Sources: FFmpeg, HandBrake If you receive AI files regularly from clients, Affinity at free is the obvious answer. If it is a one-off logo, option one wins every time.