Illustrator not opening AI file for being in an "unknown format"

[Emily243241173mgr]

**this file is an AI worksheet downloaded from Canvas for my design class and it is working for other classmates, so I don't believe the file is corrupt**

I have been trying to upload and work on this file for hours and I have been troubleshooting everything I can think of. What am I missing?

Things I've tried:

- restarting and updating my laptop

- closing all open apps and tabs

- deleting and redownloading the file

- making a copy of the file and trying to upload that instead

- uninstalling Illustrator and removing the preferences, then installing again

[Emily243241173mgr]

I will also add that this file was previously in a ZIP file. Does that affect it at all?

[Monika Gause]

"downloaded from Canvas" - so it's a Canvas file?

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Emily243241173mgr,

Sorry to hear about this experience. I would request you to share a few more details like:

• Exact version of the OS and Illustrator
• Where is this file saved (Internal/External/Network drive) or in a Synced folder (Google Drive/OneDrive/Dropbox etc.)?
• Can you kindly try copying the file to a different location, such as the desktop, and opening it from there?
• Would it be possible for you to share the download link to the file in which you are facing this issue here or via DM?
  To send a DM, click on my profile picture and then click on the "Send a Message" button to send the DM.

Also, you may try opening this file in Acrobat and share your observations with us.

Looking forward to your response.

Thanks,

Anubhav