Why does this message?

[with0701]

I received a file from a customer, but this message keeps happening. I've always received files with this customer so far, but this is the first time I've ever seen a message like this. Why am I getting this message?

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

What sort of file is it supposed to be? If it's missing its proper extension, add it and see if that changes the result. Illustrator is detecting the file as a text file.

[with0701]

This extension is an .ai file. There is no problem with the extension. Why is it detecting the .ai file as a text file?

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

Looks like the file is damaged. Ask the customer to resend the file, preferably zipped.

[james247514822uch]

Have them Open File and resave first...

[Test Screen Name]

First, if you want to get deeper into the problem, check the file size. Is it tiny? Then it probably contains an error message. Open it in TextEdit to see.

[Anubhav M]

Hello @with0701,

Sorry to hear about this experience. As suggested by Ton, this seems to be an issue with the file. I would suggest you try obtaining a new copy of the file from the customer and check if it helps.

Kindly update this thread if you need further assistance. We'd be happy to help.

Thanks,

Anubhav

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

Does the file place properly in an InDesign file?

.AI files are essentially text files. If you open the file in a text editor, it should have a header that begins with "%PDF-1.6".

If it does, as mentioned, a corruption might have crept into the file, or your Illustrator is getting confused. You could try "force" Illustrator to see it is an .AI file by selecting that format in the "Open" dialog, instead of "Open Readable/All Documents"