Illustrator - .ai - PDF compatible version

[LAF 29]

When you create a compatible PDF version of an .ai file, my understanding is that the .ai file will open in Acrobat as it embeds pdf capability into the file.  

I want to confirm that:

1. Illustrator does not create a separate PDF file - Y/N

2. If you try to open the .ai file using only Acrobat, it can not do it because it does not read .ai files.  Instead you need to right click "open with" then select Acrobat and it opens - this is what seems to work.

3.  What is the process of how this should work between the two programs as it is not clear to me that Illustrator or Acrobat are working correctly on my end.

I have researched this online and attempted to contact chat support but not resolved a clear understanding of the process.  I can export the .ai files to PDF but the function of a PDF compatible file and how it works, what you get when you ask for it, and how to open it in Acrobat remains unclear.

Thank you for any assisatnce one is able to provide.

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

<"moved from cc desktop">

[Monika Gause]

Illustrator saves a complete PDF into the private data fork of the AI file.

When you open the file in Acrobat (or Photoshop, or place it in InDesign etc.) then the other app opens the PDF from the private data fork.

When you open the file in a compatible version of Illustrator, then it opens the AI part of the file

When you open in a noncompatible version of Illustrator (older version), then it opens the PDF part of the file

When you save an AI file without PDF compatibility, you cannot open anything in any other app (not even older Illustrator). With the exception of CorelDRAW (as long as the AI file has been saved as version 2019 or lower)

[LAF 29]

Thank you.  Acrobat will not open an .ai file as an option.   Only with "open with ".  Os that correct ?

[Rene Andritsch]

Acrobat cannot open ai files even if this option is ticked. This is only for other apps like InDesign etc. to import ai files correctly

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Acrobat will open such files.

https://youtu.be/rlUiv7HG7w4

[LAF 29]

Thank you 

[Rene Andritsch]

@Monika Gause my bad I just forgot to switch to “All Documents” in the open dialogue … oops.

[LAF 29]

Very much appreciate the time taken to resolve this question for me - understood.  Thank you.