Adobe Illustrator File Recovery (*.ai, *.eps, *.ait, *.svg)

Learn how to recover deleted Adobe Illustrator files with ease in this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced user, discover step-by-step instructions and essential tips to seamlessly recover your valuable .ai, .eps, .ait, and .svg files. Dive deep into Adobe Illustrator file recovery techniques and explore insider strategies to maximize your chances of successful file restoration.

Adobe Illustrator File Recovery (*.ai, *.eps, *.ait, *.svg)

Using Adobe Illustrator, you can save illustrations in five basic formats: *.ai, *.eps, *.ait, *.svg, *.pdf. These are the file formats in which Illustrator can save all image data without loss of quality and with the opportunity to work with such image. With the help of this editor, images can also be exported to other formats compatible with other applications, but Illustrator will not be able to work with such exported files anymore. Images in the format .ai use the vector graphics format containing a set of lines connected with dots.

File Format Extension Description
AI (Adobe Illustrator) .ai Adobe Illustrator’s native format for saving editable projects. Supports vector graphics, layers, effects.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) .eps A format for storing vector graphics, compatible with other graphic software and used for printing.
PDF (Portable Document Format) .pdf A format that preserves graphics, fonts, and layouts. Suitable for document exchange and printing. Can contain both vector and raster graphics.
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) .svg A format for web graphics based on XML. Supports scalable vector images.
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) .dxf A format for exchanging data between CAD programs. Typically used in engineering and design.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) .png A format for storing raster images with transparent backgrounds, widely used on the web.
JPG (JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group) .jpg, .jpeg A format for storing raster images. Widely used for photographs and web graphics.
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) .tiff, .tif A format for storing high-quality raster images, used in professional printing.
WMF (Windows Metafile) .wmf A metafile format for storing vector graphics, supported by Windows applications.
BMP (Bitmap Image File) .bmp A standard format for raster images, usually used in Windows operating systems.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) .gif A format for animated and static raster images, commonly used on the web.

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Recovering Deleted and Damaged AI, EPS, PSD, PSB, CDR (Ilustrator, Photoshop, CorelDraw) ⚕️📁💥

Recovering Deleted and Damaged AI, EPS, PSD, PSB, CDR (Ilustrator, Photoshop, CorelDraw) ⚕️📁💥

Method 1. Restoring the Last Saved Version

Working with vector graphics in Adobe Illustrator is a long and painstaking process. For the cases when a certain amount of work has been done to an illustration, but the result is not exactly what the designer wanted to get, the program has the function of restoring the last saved version. In order to use it, you can just go to the menu File / Revert.

Adobe Illustrator. File / Revert

As a result, the image will be restored to the last saved version, and all changes done after that will be canceled.

Image will be restored to the last saved version, and all changes done after that will be canceled.

Method 2. The Function of Automatic Saving and Restoring an Adobe Illustrator Image

With the help of tools integrated into Adobe Illustrator a user can restore an unsaved illustration in case of failures in the work of the program or computer.

In order to be able to use this function, it should be adjusted. To do it, go to the menu Edit / Preferences / File Handling & Clipboard…

Edit / Preferences / File Handling & Clipboard…

In the subsection Data Recovery of the menu that opens specify the regularity of automatic saving for recovery (from 30 seconds to 1 hour) and the destination folder. The default path is a folder on disk C:

C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator 21 Settings\en_US\x64\DataRecovery

The default path of autosave copy C:UsersUserNameAppDataRoamingAdobeAdobe Illustrator 21 Settingsen_USdDataRecovery

If there is a software failure or Adobe Illustrator shuts down unexpectedly, after starting the program again it will restore all automatically saved data.

Adobe Illustrator quit unexpectedly

The auto recovery file has the extension .aid and may look like this: AIDBTemp1482247306297777136.aid

The auto recovery file has the extension .aid and may look like this: AIDBTemp1482247306297777136.aid

Note. If, for some reason, when starting Adobe Illustrator doesn’t restore an illustration from an auto recovery file, such file can be opened manually with Adobe Illustrator. In this case, the automatically saved illustration will also open in a standard way.

Do not forget to save the illustration, which you opened in such way; if you do not do it, the .aid file disappears after closing and there will not be a second chance to open it again.

Method 3. The Software to Recover *.ai, *.eps, *.ait and *.svg Files

The illustrations created in Adobe Illustrator are quite special files and recovering them after loss or deleting is not easy. If your illustrations are lost after a failure or because of other problems, they can still be restored with Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 5.0
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

To do it, start the utility and scan the media where your illustrations were saved.

Hetman Partition Recovery. Type of analysis

To recover the required illustrations, drag them to the recovery list or right-click of them and press «Recover».

Hetman Partition Recovery. Recovery

In the same way, you can recover the automatically saved file *.aid, if it is impossible to recover the main illustration file.

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How to Recover Cr2, RAW, NEF, CRW Photos after Deleting or Formatting 📷⚕️👨‍💻

How to Recover Cr2, RAW, NEF, CRW Photos after Deleting or Formatting 📷⚕️👨‍💻

Vladimir Artiukh

Author: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common causes of Illustrator file loss or corruption?
    1. Improper shutdown of the computer or application.
    2. Saving the file in an incompatible format.
    3. Not having enough RAM or storage space on the computer.
    4. Power surges or outages.
    5. Virus or malware infections.
    6. Opening the file on an incompatible version of Illustrator.
    7. Corrupt fonts or plugins.
    8. Damaged hard drive or storage device.
    9. Using a third-party file recovery tool to restore a corrupted file.
  • How can I tell if an Illustrator file is corrupted?

    If you are unable to open the Illustrator file, it may be corrupted. You can also try opening the file in a different version of Illustrator or using a third-party file repair tool to see if the file can be repaired. If the file still cannot be opened, it is likely corrupted.

  • What are the limitations of the built-in recovery features in Adobe Illustrator?
    1. The built-in recovery features in Adobe Illustrator are limited to automatically saving a backup copy of the file every 10 minutes. This means that any changes made to the file in the last 10 minutes will not be recovered if the program crashes.
    2. The backup files are saved to the same directory as the original file, which means that if the original file is deleted, the backup files will also be deleted.
    3. The backup files are not automatically compressed, so they can take up a lot of space on your hard drive.
    4. The built-in recovery features do not work if the program is closed manually or if the computer is shut down without closing the program.
  • What is Hetman Illustrator Recovery?

    Hetman Illustrator Recovery is a software program that is designed to help users recover lost or corrupted Adobe Illustrator documents. It can recover both text and vector graphics from damaged Illustrator files, as well as recover images, fonts, and other elements. The program is compatible with all versions of Adobe Illustrator, including CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CC, and CC 2020.

  • Can Hetman Illustrator Recovery recover files from a formatted drive?

    Yes, Hetman Illustrator Recovery can recover files from a formatted drive. The software is designed to scan the drive and find any lost or deleted files, and then recover them. It can even recover files from a drive that has been completely erased.

Comments (20)

  • Archer
    Archer 5.08.2020 04:30 #
    I tried setting my adobe illustrator to auto recover, but i didn't see any option for data recovery under the file handling and clipboard menu. Any help?
    Reply
    • Andrey Mareev
      Andrey Mareev 15.08.2020 15:53 #
      Ask for help from Adobe Cuystomer Support
      Reply
  • Mohit N
    Mohit N 1.06.2020 12:20 #
    I recovered the .AID file but its opening in illustrator tried renaming it to .ai but still not opening.
    Reply
    • Andrey Mareev
      Andrey Mareev 10.06.2020 14:28 #
      Do You see the live Preview of this file before You buy the Program?
      Reply
  • Surya Sajan
    Surya Sajan 9.05.2019 05:59 #
    i deleted the saved file by mistake. Is there any way i can get my file back?
    Reply
  • Eduardo
    Eduardo 27.12.2017 23:25 #
    Hey, I had Adobe Illustrator installed after formatting my computer, and I saved all my .ai files and simply when I opened Adobe Illustrator and opened the image, the adobe did not recognize the format, can you help me ?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
      Hetman Software: Data Recovery 28.12.2017 09:12 #
      Try to reinstall Adobe Illustrator and open your .ai files after it. Also you can try to open our .ai files with other program. In Windows it can be: ideaMK Ai Viewer, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop CC, Serif DrawPlus, IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe, ACD Systems Canvas, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X, Inkscape, XnView, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Ghostscript, Xara Xtreme, FlexiSign, EnRoute, Cinema 4D
      Reply
  • Demetrius Phipson
    Demetrius Phipson 25.01.2017 02:26 #
    Can Hetman Illustrator Recovery recover files from previous versions of Illustrator?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 25.01.2017 02:57 #
      Yes, Hetman Illustrator Recovery can recover files from previous versions of Illustrator. It can also recover files from Adobe Illustrator CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, and CC.
      Reply
  • Noah Flew
    Noah Flew 24.01.2017 22:14 #
    What are some tips for preventing loss or corruption of Illustrator files?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 24.01.2017 22:44 #
      1. Save your Illustrator files in the native AI format.
      2. Back up your files regularly.
      3. Make sure you have the latest version of Illustrator installed.
      4. Avoid using special characters and punctuation marks in file names.
      5. Avoid using linked images in your Illustrator files.
      6. Save a copy of your Illustrator file in a different format, such as PDF or EPS, for archiving purposes.
      7. Avoid using complex transparency effects or effects like drop shadows.
      8. Close and save your Illustrator files when you are finished working on them.
      9. Make sure your computer is free of malware and viruses.
      10. Avoid using third-party plugins or scripts in your Illustrator files.
      Reply
  • Elijah Lowson
    Elijah Lowson 24.01.2017 18:15 #
    Does Hetman Illustrator Recovery have a trial version available?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 24.01.2017 18:43 #
      No, Hetman Illustrator Recovery does not have a trial version available. However, the software does offer a free demo version that allows users to scan their system for recoverable files and preview the recoverable files before purchasing the full version.
      Reply
  • Ernest Midwinter
    Ernest Midwinter 24.01.2017 14:26 #
    Can Hetman Illustrator Recovery recover files from a damaged external hard drive?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 24.01.2017 14:44 #
      No, Hetman Illustrator Recovery is designed to recover files from the internal hard drive of a computer. It is not designed to recover files from an external hard drive.
      Reply
  • Colman Mileham
    Colman Mileham 24.01.2017 12:14 #
    What file formats does Hetman Illustrator Recovery support?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 24.01.2017 12:45 #
      Hetman Illustrator Recovery supports the following file formats: AI, EPS, PDF, SVG, CDR, and CDT.
      Reply
  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 20.07.2018 12:29 #
    Read about recovering deleted Adobe Illustrator files (*.ai, *.eps, *.ait, *.svg) and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.
    Reply
    • Dima
      Dima 28.11.2021 01:34 #
      Hello, I have problem on my illustration file that damaged that idk why, I think that's because of the disk that I used maybe, Idk actually, the file is just dameged and can't be opened on illustrator :(( what should I do please help :((
      Reply
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