Finding True AI File Creation Date

[LLArtPrints]

Is there a way to find the true and original creation date of an illustrator file?  Or is the metadata changed when a file is "Saved As"?

[Ton Frederiks]

You could have a look at the File > File Info... > Creation Date

[michelew83603738 · Accepted solution]

Unfortuantely, this actually doesn't show the true creation date either. It has been an ongoing problem that Adobe is aware of. @LLArtPrints add your voice at: https://illustrator.uservoice.com

[LLArtPrints]

Thank you, I will do.  It's outrageous for copyright purposes that this info can be so easily changed.

[Met1]

When you do as SaveAs, you are essentially saying, this is a brand new file created right now.

Keep your SaveAs file as the back-up, and carry on working on the original file which has the original creation date.

[LLArtPrints]

Thanks - but this information changes when you re-Save As a file.  I'm looking for any "hidden" paths to the metadata of a real origination date.

[Ton Frederiks]

In Illustrator the creation date cannot be changed (except when you do a Save As, but that's when you create a new file). Unfortunately Mac OS does not show the real creation date (when the file is just saved) with Cmd I, but Bridge and Illustrator do.