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Keylo
Keylo
Participating Frequently
March 23, 2020
Answered

Can't open old illustrator files

  • March 23, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 2918 views

I have 100's of old illustrator files I would like to open but cannnot. Whenever I try to open one in the newest illustrator it says...Can't open file...unknown file type. I find that funny to be honest...didn't Adobe make it? How can I open these files? I have found nothing out on the web except to buy an old mac with an old Illustrator and open them that way. Is there any other way?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Monika Gause

You have old FreeHand files?

Try tensai.co.uk They used to offer conversion as a paid service.

3 replies

spicyfood
spicyfood
Participant
August 27, 2023

I have the same problem, I nned help! I'm willing to pay someone to open 20 documents and convert in to text edit or word docs, where can I go to find someone who can do that?

 

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 27, 2023

    @spicyfood 

     

    Try Behance or Reddit. This is not a job site.

     

    Jane

      Ton Frederiks
      Community Expert
      Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 23, 2020

      If you open one of these files in TextEdit, what does the first text line show you?

      Keylo
      KeyloAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      March 31, 2020

      Heres what shows up in Text Edit.......AGD4æ∏ªÀ

      Thanks Ton!

      Monika Gause
      Community Expert
      Monika GauseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 31, 2020

      FreeHand files can somehow be opened by Scribus: https://youtu.be/0dH7k00nO2Y

      But if you'd like to, upload the file to Dropbox or the like and I give it a try with version CS5.

        jane-e
        Community Expert
        jane-eCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 23, 2020

        Hi
        Since your question is about Illustrator, I have moved this from the "Get Started" forum for you.

         

        Can you tell us which version the older files are in, whether they are Mac or Windows, and show a screen shot of the error message?
        ~ Jane

        Keylo
        KeyloAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        March 31, 2020

        Hi Jane-e, Thanks for moving this over to the right place!  I can't tell you which version they are in because they don't say. The files where made on a Mac. 

        Mahalo for trying to help!

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