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8 Best free AI to PDF Converters For Windows PC (2024 Updated)

July 31, 2023 2.3K views

Ever find yourself with a fancy Adobe Illustrator (Discover how to seamlessly convert Ai to PDF with our comprehensive guide featuring the 8 best free converters compatible with Windows PCs..ai) design but can't share it with friends or colleagues who don't have the software? Fear not! This article is your golden ticket to finding the best AI to PDF converters out there. And the best part? They're free. We'll guide you through the steps to easily turn your .ai files into PDFs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy your artwork, no special software needed. Get ready to break down those tech walls and share your creativity far and wide.

Part 1: 8 Ways To Convert AI To PDF With Guide Steps

1. GIMP

GIMP is a cost-free graphic editing program compatible with Windows 11/10 platforms. This application supports a wide variety of image formats, like Alias Pix, DDS, DICOM, HEIC, and notably, AI images. This software enables you to convert an AI image into a PDF document, even allowing editing of the AI image prior to the conversion,easy to convert AI to PDF.

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How to convert AI to PDF free using GIMP?

To convert an AI file to a PDF using GIMP, you can adhere to the following instructions:

Step 1: Choose "File > Open" to load the AI file in GIMP. The Ctrl + O keyboard shortcut can also be utilized for this purpose.

Step 2: Make any necessary adjustments to the AI file, if required.

Step 3: Navigate to "File > Export."

Step 4: Opt for the 'Select File Type (By Extension)' feature, which is situated on the lower left side. As a result, GIMP will display all the file extensions it supports.

Step 5: Browse through the extensions list until you spot 'Portable Document Format'.

Step 6: Click 'Export', designate where you want the file to be saved, and consequently, preserve it as a PDF.

2. Inkscape

Inkscape offers a no-cost solution for image editing, including the ability to transform AI files into PDF documents. It's similar to GIMP in that it provides a range of tools for image modifications, allowing you to adjust an AI file before making it into a PDF. When it comes to the diversity of image formats, Inkscape is quite accommodating, supporting vector and bitmap images, along with SVG, PDF, AI, GIMP Gradient, and COREL DRAW files.

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How to use Inkscape to convert AI to PDF online?

To convert an AI file to a PDF format using Inkscape, kindly adhere to the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Start the process by launching the AI file in Inkscape. This can be achieved by using the Ctrl + O key combination.

Step 2: Should there be a need to modify the AI file, utilize the tools that Inkscape offers. Post editing, navigate to the "File > Save As" path, and select the Portable Document Format (PDF) from the drop-down menu of file types.

Step 3: Choose a suitable directory on your PC where you would like to store the converted file.

Step 4: Last but not least, assign a unique name to your file and confirm the operation by clicking on the Save button.

3. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a comprehensive, free global standard software for reliably viewing, printing, signing, sharing, and annotating PDFs. It's the only PDF viewer that can open and interact with all types of PDF content, including forms and multimedia. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, introduced by Adobe Systems, is also widely used for creating, editing, and converting PDF files.

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You must first convert the AI file to a PDF using Adobe Illustrator itself, then you can open and interact with the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open Adobe Illustrator and load the file you want to convert.

Step 2: Go to the "File" menu, then choose "Save As".

Step 3: In the window that appears, select the Adobe PDF file format from the "Save As Type" dropdown menu.

Step 4: Click the "Save" button.

Step 5: In the following window, you'll be prompted to adjust the settings for your PDF. Make any changes necessary, then click "Save PDF".

Step 6: Close Adobe Illustrator.

Step 7: Open the newly saved PDF document with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

4. Sumatra PDF Reader

Sumatra PDF Reader is a cost-free software that enables users to view different file formats, inclusive of PDF, XPS, DjVu, EPUB, among others. It's a straightforward viewer that comes without complex functionalities. It allows users to perform rudimentary operations on their files, such as modifying the viewing mode, rotating the file to the left or right, and adjusting the zoom level, we can also convert ai to pdf files easily.

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Steps to convert AI into PDF using Sumatra PDF Reader

You can conveniently transform AI extension files into PDF files using the Sumatra PDF Reader. Here's the process:

Step 1: Start the Sumatra PDF Reader application.

Step 2: Hit Ctrl + O. Note that AI files are not visible by default in the File Explorer.

Step 3: To access an AI file, choose All Files from the drop-down menu. Then, choose an AI file and select Open.

Step 4: Hit the three horizontal bars at the top left corner, navigate to "File > Save As" and choose PDF documents from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Assign a name to your PDF file and press Save.

5. Pixillion Image Converter Software

Pixillion Image Converter Software is a freeware that's available for personal use at no cost. This tool allows you to convert numerous image files from one format to another in a batch process. When you open the software, you'll be presented with two choices: 'Add Files' and 'Add Folder'. If you have a folder containing all your AI files, the 'Add Folder' option lets you upload them all at once with a single click.

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Steps to convert AI into PDF using Pixillion Image Converter Software

Step 1: Start the Pixillion Image Converter Software.

Step 2: Navigate to the Home tab.

Step 3: Choose either 'Add File(s)' or 'Add Folder' under the Home tab.

Step 4: If you wish to convert multiple files at once, select the 'Select All' option.

Step 5: The software will automatically save your files to the C drive by default. If you wish to change this, click on 'Select Output Folder'.

Step 6: From the drop-down menu, select 'PDF' as the desired output format.

Step 7: Finally, click on the 'Convert' button to start the process.

6. LibreOffice Draw

LibreOffice Draw is an open-source software available for free, which offers the functionality of converting AI to PDF. It is supported across different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS. This software is part of the comprehensive LibreOffice suite, which includes various other office tools like LibreOffice Calc, LibreOffice Writer, and LibreOffice Impress.

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How to convert AI to PDF using LibreOffice Draw?

Step 1: Launch the application and select the Open option to upload an AI document.

Step 2: Next, make any desired modifications to the AI document with the help of the provided editing utilities.

Step 3: Finally, initiate the conversion of the AI document to PDF by hitting the 'Export as PDF' option.

7. CloudConvert

Cloudconvert is a leading online AI to PDF converter that performs conversions swiftly and efficiently. This platform is widely acclaimed for its capacity to convert and rasterize vector graphics on the web. Furthermore, it supports an array of other file types, including SVG, EPS, and PDF, while offering options for adjusting resolution, file size, and output quality.

Here's how you can convert AI files to PDFs using Cloudconvert

Step 1: Firstly, start this application in your web browser and choose the 'AI to PDF' option from the list.

Step 2: Next, click on the 'Choose File' button to open the file management window on your computer, then search for the file you want to convert.

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Step 3: Alternatively, you can source the file from cloud storage or directly via a URL for faster access.

Step 4: Upon selecting the files, press the 'Convert' button and patiently wait a few moments.

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Step 5: You have the option to convert several AI files at once to conserve both time and effort.

Step 6: Eventually, a window will pop up on your screen where you should click 'Download' to save the converted file to your local system.

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8. Convertio

If you're using a computer and need to convert vectors, Convertio is an excellent tool you can utilize. This complimentary online Ai to PDF converter is known for its user-friendly interface, making it suitable for even novice users without encountering any technical issues. What sets this tool apart is its extensive compatibility with a multitude of file formats, encompassing images, documents, eBooks, and much more.

To begin converting your Ai files to PDF using Convertio, simply follow the subsequent steps:

Step 1: First, Start your preferred web browser and navigate to the official website of Convertio.

Step 2: Next, select the "Choose Files" option to upload the desired Ai file from your computer.

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Step 3: In the third step, hit the "Convert" button to initiate the conversion process.

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Step 4: Lastly, click on the "Download" button to store the converted file on your computer.

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Part 2: Why Should We Convert AI To PDF Files?

Converting your files from AI to PDF, Word documents, spreadsheets, or images into PDF format offers numerous advantages. Here's why you might consider doing this:

  • Maintain Original Layout

PDF files ensure the preservation of the original look and layout of your documents. When you convert a file into PDF, it keeps all the content intact, including text, images, and graphics. This is particularly useful when you need to share files that must retain their design elements. The AI to PDF Converter helps you retain the original formatting as you convert them.

  • Compact File Size

The other benefit of PDFs is that they allow for file compression without sacrificing the quality of the content. This means you can store or send larger files in a more efficient and compact format, making it especially useful for businesses that require efficient data archiving. The above mentioned tools helps you convert large AI file into PDF in comparitvely smaller size.

  • Universal Accessibility

PDFs are platform-independent, meaning they can be viewed on any operating system or device, whether it's Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. This ensures that the documents can be easily shared and viewed, avoiding any compatibility issues that might arise with other file types.

  • Enhanced Security

Converting files from AI to PDF online or offline adds an extra layer of security to your documents. You can set up security features that restrict editing, copying, or even opening the document, thus providing a safe way to share sensitive information.

  • Easy Sharing and Archiving

PDFs are widely accepted and used, which makes sharing documents easier. Additionally, their small size due to the possibility of compression and their universal accessibility make PDFs ideal for archiving and long-term storage.

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FAQs

Q1:Can I convert AI To PDF In Bulk?

Yes, you can convert AI (Adobe Illustrator) files to PDF (Portable Document Format) in bulk, but you will need to use a third-party software or online service.

Q2: How Do I Convert AI To PDF Without Adobe Illustrator?

To convert an AI (Adobe Illustrator) file to PDF without using Adobe Illustrator, you can utilize online file conversion tools or alternative software options. Several online platforms provide AI to PDF conversion services like Zamzar,SmallPDF and PDFOnline . Additionally, some graphic design software applications, such as Inkscape and CorelDRAW, offer the capability to open AI files and save them as PDFs.

Q3: How Do I Save An AI File As A Small PDF?

Here are the steps to save an Adobe Illustrator (AI) file as a smaller PDF:

Open the AI file in Adobe Illustrator. Then choose "Save As" or "Export" from the "File" menu. Select PDF as the file format and adjust the saving options to reduce the file size. Save the file, and it will be saved as a small-sized PDF.

Q4: Is It Safe To Convert AI To PDF Online?

Yes, it is safe to convert AI (Adobe Illustrator) files to PDF online, especially if you are using a reputable platform such as Adobe's own services. Adobe has a strong reputation for maintaining user privacy and security, so you can trust their platforms when converting files.

Summary

With an emphasis on sharing and viewing Adobe Illustrator (AI) files without requiring specific software, we delve into eight different methods to convert these AI files into PDF format. Each of these tools is demonstrated with a comprehensive step-by-step guide for easy implementation.

Get WPS Office is more than get a AI to PDF converter. As WPS Office is an integrated office software that combines Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentations, and a robust PDF Toolkit. Its "Picture to PDF" feature allows users to convert various image formats, including AI into PDF files seamlessly.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.