Alternative to Illustrator

[Guest]

My old computer has died and with it my stand alone copy of Illustrator. I only used it for the occasional bit of freelance at home but now i have a dilemma. I cant really justify the cost of adobe subscription so was wondering is there an alternative to the Adobe product that i can buy outright? Preferably being able to edit and save Illustrator files?

[Doug A Roberts]

there's nothing that can open and save fully compatible AI files except Illustrator. I think CorelDraw can export and import from certain versions though. Other software might be able to open the PDF side of an AI file if it was saved with PDF compatibility on.

If I were starting fresh, I'd give Affinity Designer a go.

[Guest]

Thanks Doug!

[Ericadyson]

Inkscape

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On Thu, Jul 12, 2018 at 3:19 PM martind32408906 <forums_noreply@adobe.com>

[Jacob Bugge]

Martin,

Depending on the OS of the replacement computer, you may be able to (re)install and use your old AI version, provided you have kept the licence key or have registered it with Adobe.

[Guest]

Thanks Jacob, unfortunately it was my old ( ancient ) works pc with CS4 installed..i don't have the key I'm afraid. Maybe should just give up the freelance and go pub instead of working evenings! 

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

You could subscribe to just Adobe Illustrator and not the entire Creative Cloud complete package.

[Jacob Bugge]

Martin,

You may try to have a look for the (possible) registration key under My Products, using your (then) Adobe ID here:

https://accounts.adobe.com/products

From CS5 on, registration was part of activation, but it was optional up to CS4.

If you can get the key, you can download the whole installation with updates.

[KShinabery212]

I do not think you will be able to open Illustrator files in other programs.

Have you tried using the CD to reinstall it on a new computer? That may or may not work.  As not all version will work on computers depending on how new or old the operating system is.

But that sucks.  I had a couple computers die on me over the years.  And one just wants to cry.  Especially when things were not backed up.  Uggghhh.......  and even pros have that happen. 

I hope you find a solution.

Getting the subscription to Illustrator through the Creative Cloud is probably your best solution if you have a newer computer.  Yes, you pay for it monthly.  But you get all the awesome updates!!!!  And trust me the updates make it worth it.  I am always surprised with the evolution of the Adobe software and how smarter it gets!  Adobe really does think of everything when trying to push software into the next generation!  Tools get better and new tools are added!  Makes a big difference trust me!!!!

[Guest]

Thanks! Been turning down freelance for now but may consider taking a month by month subscription if its worth it for the job! Been enjoying my free time and not really missing the freelance at the moment!