Ai files won't open unless opened from within Illustrator

I am having this same issue attempting to open certain ai files (but not all).

I am on an iMac running Mohave 10.14.3 with Illustrator CC 2019. The other (related) issue I'm having is that when I go to copy the troublesome file to another folder or drive, it won't copy — nor will it allow me to simply move it to another folder. Here is the error I get when I try to do either: "The operation can't be completed because one or more required items can't be found."

Like others have mentioned in this and other discussions on this topic, I have been able to open the files by opening from Illustrator rather than double clicking the file. Still, one should at least be able to copy/move a file without this annoying issue. (once I open the file and save it in a different location, I am able to move and copy that file)

Same issue here. I am on Windows 10 Pro [Version 1803; Build 17134.523] 64-bit, and am using AI 23.0.2 [64-bit]

It is very annoying not to be able to double click on an *.ai file to open it. I just stumbled upon this issue today because I just upgraded (???) to CC late last week and never experienced this problem in all my years of using CS6.

After doing a little research, this very issue seems to be an old issue dating back more than 2 years.  [Have a look at this thread:Double Clicking Illustrator Files Does Nothing (seemingly) ] One trick mentioned in that thread is to launch AI first before opening a file. I just tried that and have been able to open 4 or 5 files successfully by double-clicking on them. Not sure how long my luck will last, but for now it seems to be a viable workaround.

As far as I am concerned, however, it shouldn't matter if you launch AI before opening a file, or launch it by double-clicking on a file... double-clicking should work regardless. But at least there is a workaround until/IF Adobe ever gets around to fixing this obvious bug.

Nancy

I have the same issue. It's annoying.

double clicking on an illustrator file or right click open with opens the program but not the file.

Is there a fix?

I'm having the same issue, although at least after reading your post I've realised I can open it from WITHIN Illustrator. So whilst it sucks, I'm at least now able to access my files while they sort this issue out...

I'm also on a Mac. Opening any file from finder gives the impression that the file is open, as layers are visible, but there's no artwork at all. Just the intro screen is visible.

If you're on a Mac, you can select an Illustrator file in the Finder, type Command-I, and near the middle of that box there's a section called "Open with:" Choose Adobe Illustrator CC 2019 from the menu AND be sure to click the "Change All..." button right below it. If Illustrator isn't immediately visible in the menu, choose "Other" and locate Illustrator there.