Gimp is a free and open-source graphics editor. It can be used for both basic photo editing and more advanced image manipulation. Gimp is also surprisingly robust, as it can open AI files! The first step in opening an AI file is to locate the program on your computer. This can be done by going to “Programs” and selecting Gimp from the list.
After clicking, you should see a menu of all available programs for this directory appear at the top of your screen. When looking through these options, find .exe files that end with “-ai” (i.e., Adobe Illustrator). Copy and paste one into Windows Explorer or Finder window so it appears as an icon on your desktop.
After you have successfully copied it over, right-click to open up its properties box then select “Open With” from the drop-down menu next to “File Type”. Select “Gimp” from the list and click “OK”. You should now be able to open AI files in Gimp.
Just remember that you cannot edit them with this software unless you have a copy of Adobe Illustrator itself, so if your goal is more complicated than viewing or printing an image, it’s best just to stick with what the program was originally intended for!
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The first step in opening an AI file is to locate the program on your computer. This can be done by going to “Programs” and selecting Gimp from the list. After clicking, you should see a menu of all available programs for this directory appear at the top of your screen.
