In most cases, you can simply open up a new document and click and drag the AI file directly onto the canvas and it will import the same way a traditional PDF file would. ai extension.) These formats include versions 9, 10, and CS through CS6.Īs we all know by now, Inkscape handles PDF files without a hitch, therefore newer AI files should work just as well. That’s because newer versions of Illustrator have abandoned the outdated PostScript format and instead use PDF (even though the file still ends with the. Most newer AI formats open just fine with Inkscape. Here’s the link to download Ghostscript as referenced: Adobe Illustrator 9.0 Format and Above Once you’ve done that, watch the following video for step-by-step instructions on how to install Ghostscript and configure it to work with Inkscape.Ī special thanks to Open Source Bug on Youtube for making this helpful video. Ghostscript is what’s needed for Inkscape to open those older AI files, and you’ll need to install it if you’d like to do so.īefore you install Ghostscript, be sure to change the extension of the AI file you’re trying to open from.

Unfortunately, Inkscape isn’t capable of opening PostScript formats when you’re running the application on Windows or Mac because the installation packages for those environments do not have Ghostscript included.

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