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PDF Compatible File in Illustrator save option.

New Here ,
Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020

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Whenever I save an Illustrator file, there is always the "Create PDF Compatible File" option. What does this mean and what happens if I turn the option off then save the file without it?

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correct answers 1 Correct answer

Community Expert , Sep 26, 2020 Sep 26, 2020

Please check out this video about saving files in Illustrator and what goes into the PDF part: https://youtu.be/IpDh8Y7q8yE

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Community Expert ,
Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020

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It means Illustrator writes two files into the AI file 'package': an AI file and a PDF. Many external applications can only see the PDF; for example it enables you to preview the file in your OS, or see it linked in InDesign. If the AI file is damaged in some way, occasionally the PDF part will still be intact and to some degree recoverable (but perhaps not exactly as you constructed it).

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LEGEND ,
Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020

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Hi there,

 

Thanks for reaching out. I agree with Doug. With Create PDF Compatible File turned on, Adobe Illustrator saves a PDF-compatible file inside the native Adobe Illustrator file. Adobe Acrobat—and similar PDF readers—understand this file. The PDF compatible file is also editable as Doug mentioned already.
You may read this article for more information about this. Hope it helps.

 

Regards,

Ashutosh

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Community Expert ,
Sep 26, 2020 Sep 26, 2020

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Please check out this video about saving files in Illustrator and what goes into the PDF part: https://youtu.be/IpDh8Y7q8yE

Illustrator has a special way of saving native files. You should know this in order to be able to set the correct options and to recover some of your artwork when things go wrong. More info about saving files in Illustrator Saving safely: http://vektorgarten.de/illustrator-saving-safely.html ...

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