Save only selection in AI file as separate AI?

[Chris P. Bacon]

How do I save a selection as AI?

I only have the option export selection, there's only SVG option, no AI.

There is no "save as" option only for the selection, so that I could save it as AI.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

You can create a PDF preset that includes an AI file (Preserve Illustrator editability). And then use it for the export. In Illustrator it will be fully editable. You could change the file extension to .ai if you want it to autimatically open in AI when you double click it.